Mamie Elizabeth Watkins Thomas passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Willow Brook Christian Home in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on April 1, 1927, in Steubenville, Ohio, the only child of T. Fred and Anna Marie (Whitaker) Watkins.

She began her life, as she often said, as an April Fool's baby. She then met the love of her life in Junior High School, Charles LaVon Thomas (Vonnie). They were married on August 26, 1946. They went on to raise a family, a daughter, Rebecca Lee, and sons Charles Lee and Mark Allen. They were happily married for 51 years until Vonnie’s passing in 1998. Her life was filled with homemaking and raising her children. The Family enjoyed trips to Lake Erie in the summer. She enjoyed many activities with Vonnie, bowling, golfing, and many activities with lifelong friends. Then they decided to try boating on the Ohio River and bought a houseboat they named the Ding-A-Ling. So many memories were created with family and friends. She was a beautiful seamstress and loved to crochet and do counted cross-stitch.

Mamie worked for a few years at Jeff Tech and the College of Steubenville. She was an avid fan of Steubenville Big Red, Pittsburgh Steelers and The Ohio State Buckeyes. Mom, Grandma, Grandma Mamie, or Great Grandma Mamie, all the same person, wrapped up in a bundle not quite 5 feet, was the foundation for our family. She actively participated in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandson. She lived independently on her own until this last year - And did it her way!!

Preceded in death by parents, T. Fred Watkins and Anna Marie (Whitaker) Watkins, husband Charles L. Thomas, and sons Charles Lee Thomas and Mark Allen Thomas.

Mamie is survived by daughter Rebecca Henderson (Carl), granddaughters LeEdra Evec (Erik), Nicole Branson, Brooke Henderson, great-grandchildren Gabrielle Buckman, Gage Branson, Ryan Evec, Mitchell Evec, great-great-grandson Finley Buckman.

The Family would like to extend a special thank you to Willow Brook Christian Home and all of the wonderful staff for the loving care that was given. Also, extended thanks to Capital City Hospice and their wonderful staff, especially Kelly and Heidi.

Private burial services at Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Macular Degeneration Research c/o The Bright Focus Foundation online at https://donate.brightfocus.org/mdr/donate.