Marie Thomas (Golden)

Marie Golden Thomas, age 83 of Blairsville, passed away February 11, 2012, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born May 3, 1928, in McMinn County, Tennessee, to the late Gordon Richard and Laura Abernathy Golden. She loved to travel with her family, was active in the community, serving as a hospital volunteer for many years, and was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Blairsville and the Order of Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Oliver Thomas, on June 14, 1982, and later by her eldest brother, Ralph Golden.

Survivors include: daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Bruce Chapman of Blairsville; son and daughter-in-law, Nelson and Shelley Thomas of Blairsville; daughter, Dianne Thomas of Gainesville; grandchildren, Jennifer Chapman, John Chapman, Patrick Thomas, Caroline Thomas, Vincent Thomas, and Matthew Thomas; sisters, Ann Brewer and Bertha Nari; brother and sister-in-law, J.M. and Elaine Golden; sister-in-law, Hazel Cole; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Ernie Yana; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ulas and Sheila Thomas; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Thomas and Wilma Thomas. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive, along with many dear friends and "adopted" grandchildren who Marie considered part of her family, particularly Melinda Pickelsimer, the long time girlfriend of her grandson, Matthew.

Funeral services: Monday, February 13, 2012, at 2:00 pm at the Rock Chapel of First Baptist Church of Blairsville with the Rev. B.A. Buchanan and Rev. Danny Parris officiating. Music will be by Marilyn Burk and Wayde Powell. Interment will follow in Union Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will include John Chapman, Patrick Thomas, Matthew Thomas, Vincent Thomas, Wayde Powell, and David Buchanan.

The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, Sunday, February 12, 2012, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.