Mary Burgess Thomas was born as a twin (Martha Burgess) on March 31, 1956 to the late James and Azalee Burgess of Clarendon County, SC.

She began her educational journey at Walker Gamble Elementary School in New Zion, SC and Fleming Elementary School in Lynchburg, SC. She later attended Maywood High School, where she graduated with the class of 1975. She then furthered her education at Central Carolina Technical College in Sumter, SC in 1977, where she met her late ex-husband, Yancy McCray. Mary and Yancy was united into Holy Matrimony in the early 1980's and she became she a wife of a military soldier. Mary and Yancy then brought into this world a beautiful daughter TyvishaYamara McCray in 1987. Mary then left Arby's on a family venture to open a soul food restaurant (Emma's Son) in Sumter, SC with her current husband David L. Thomas of Lynchburg, SC. David and Mary united into Holy Matrimony in 2007.

Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a faithful member of St. Peter AME Church of Mayesville, SC.

She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, David L. Thomas ( Lynchburg, SC); a daughter Tyvisha Y. McCray (Mayesville, SC); Step Children: Letitia "Elija" Geter (Columbia, SC), Lakeisia Oliver (Baltimore, MD), Michael Thomas (Orlando, FL), Denefria Fisher (Bishopville, SC), LaQuanda Taylor (Sumter, SC), Lowanda Atkinson (Camden, SC), Montise "Teia" Fisher (Bishopville, SC); Twin Sister, Martha(James) Taylor (Sumter, SC); three Brothers: Alonzo "Cassandra" Burgess, Levern "Karen" Burgess both of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Alphonso "Faye" Burgess (Bronx, NY); one granddaughter, Cali Nelson of the home; ten step grandchildren; a lifelong best friend, Marian "Harry" Anderson (Mayesville, SC); most supportive sister in love Patricia "Darrel" Fitch (Columbia, SC), and many more loving relatives, host of God's children that she cherished as her own Justin "Barbara" Scriven (Fayetteville, NC), Marlana Bell (Sumter, SC), Juron Taylor (Sumter, SC), Carnashia Anderson (Mayesville, SC), Roderick "Regina" Anderson (Dalzell, SC), Nicole and Shawanda Pierce(Sumter, SC), family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Azalee Burgess; three sisters, Ola Lee Burgess, Rebecca McFadden, and Minnie Ford; three brothers: Willie Burgess, Jasper Burgess, and Raymond Montgomery; ex-husband Yancy McCray, and mother in law Emma Lou Thomas.

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, September 6, 2019 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Mrs. Thomas will be placed in the church on Saturday, 7, 2019 at 10am for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center 101 South Salem Avenue Sumter, SC 29150

Interment will follow in Melina Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Family will receive friends at the home 126 South Main Street Mayesville, SC 29104.

Job's Mortuary, Inc., 312 S. Main Street is in charge of arrangements.