Jean M. Thomas
Born November 24, 1946
Jean M. Thomas, age 70, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 27, 2017 at Seasons Hospice in Newark, DE.
Jean was a native of Newark, born on November 24, 1946. She was a 1964 graduate of Corpus Christi High School in Elsmere. After graduation, Jean worked at Holligsworth Supply Company in Newark, Budd Company/Polychem Division in Newark, Curtis Papermill in Newark, Mactac Morgan Adhesives in East Brunswick, NJ and Alling & Cory Paper Company in Philadelphia.
At the age of 35, Jean decided to pursue a college education and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Delaware in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. She worked briefly at Cecil Community College in Elkton, MD as an administrative assistant in the Division of Continuing Education. Jean spent the following 17 years as Training Coordinator for Allen Bradley, a Division of Rockwell Automation in Delaware and Norristown, PA.
She volunteered with the National Literacy Project for 2 years, tutoring non-reading adults. Jean also provided her assistance volunteering at various events with Camp Rehoboth, including the annual Labor Day weekend event, Sundance, and the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival.
She enjoyed art, reading, and travel. One of Jean’s favorite trips was to the American Southwest. More than anything else, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Olan and Lorraine Thomas, and her sister-in-law, G. Jeanette Thomas. She is survived by her brother, Robert Thomas, Sr.; sister, Mary Lou McDowell; brother-in-law, Robert McDowell; nephew, Robert Thomas, Jr.; and nieces, Kathryn and Sarah McDowell.
A gathering for family and friends will be held from 6:30 pm until 8 pm on Tuesday evening, April 4, 2017 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE. A committal service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday morning, April 5, 2017 in the chapel of the All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Jean’s memory to her favorite charity, Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.
KATHLEEN Cummings Hays
What a beautiful picture of Jean. I am so very sorry and saddened by her illness and death. Fond memories of high school years long, long ago.
Loretta Mahan
My dear friend Jean I will always remember our friendship and all the laughter we shared. You were a very special woman and I will always be thankful that our lives engaged. God bless you my friend.
Janiah Miles
My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. Losing someone you love is truly difficult and I know Jean will be missed. Please know our heavenly Father holds out promises that can help us with our sorrow. One such promise is that death soon will be done away with forever (Revelation 21:4) and another promise is that “there is going to be a resurrection.” (Acts 24:15) I pray these promises from God, who cannot lie, (Titus 1:2) bring you comfort.
Brian Ayars
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Jean. I’ve known Jean since I was a teen and she was always great to hang out with. She had a great sense of humor and always had great advice no matter what the situation. She will be truly missed. I am so glad to have shared the times we had over that past many years. Jean, may you look down upon us with that same great smile until it is our time to join you.
Michael R. Dutton
Mary Lou, Your strength amazes me Your love, support and caring for your sister has been boundless. I am so very sorry for your loss and I pray for you, your family and your sister who most surely has found peace eternal in heaven.
Your fond memories of your sister will bring you great comfort, of that I am sure.
Kathleen Barbee
So sorry to learn that God has called you home. There is not another
person who shared that 1st Grade experience of getting on the big yellow
bus to start school and stay classmates for 12 years So many wonderful
memories.
Jeff Morton
Approx. 41 years ago, I enjoyed working for Jean at Curtis paper Co in the sample room. I was about 17 then. I worked for her and Lori Wise. The picture in the paper was great. She was kind and funny. I know you will miss her, you have my sympathy. Sincerely Jeff Morton