Catherine Thomas

Catherine Maness Thomas, of Dyer, Tennessee, died Sunday, June 18, 2017, at her home at the age of 102. She was born in the Brocks Chapel Community of Weakley County, Tennessee, on July 23, 1914. She was educated in a one-room school and attended college at the University of Tennessee at Martin and in Knoxville. She was a career educator for 35 years, teaching Home Economics and Science, and impacting the lives of countless students at Greenfield High School, Dyer High School and Rutherford High School. She retired in 1980. Catherine became the wife of Will D. Thomas in 1949, and they enjoyed traveling, fishing and hunting, and absorbing the marvels of nature and wildlife until his death in 1993. They had many cherished friends and especially loved children. Catherine was active in her community and concerned about the welfare of others, earning the respect and affection of people of all ages and walks of life. She was a member of the Dyer Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, The Tennessee Education Association, The National Education Association, The Twentieth Century Club, The Gibson County Retired Teachers Association, and was a sponsor of the Future Homemakers of America. In her later years, Catherine enjoyed a loving relationship with her full-time caregiver, Nancy Selph, who called her “Gran”. She also received dedicated care from Edith Wright, Patricia McElrath, Crystal Gilmore and Jane Wallstedt (both of whom were her former students), Leslie Hicks, Eden Hood, and Avalon Hospice. Mrs. Thomas is survived by a niece, Mary Nelle Nicholson and her husband Mike; great nephew, Jason Nicholson and his daughter Kate. She was predeceased by a brother, Jimmy Maness of Greenfield. A memorial service conducted by Rev. Tony Smith and Dr. Mary Lin Hudson, will be Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 2:00pm, in the Dyer chapel of Karnes & Son Funeral Home, with burial at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:00pm-2:00pm. Karnes & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Catherine Maness Thomas.