Marlene Elise Thomas was born June 21, 1961, in Albany, Georgia. She was the beloved daughter of the late Martha Lou Thomas and Coach B. H. Davis.

S he received her formal education in the Dougherty County School System, including Dougherty Comprehensive High School. Throughout her school years, she actively participated in various student organizations and activities. Marlene believed strongly in life-long learning and continued her quest for knowledge at Albany Technical College where she earned an Associate degree in Culinary Arts.

Early in life, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and began her walk with the Lord. As she continued her Christian walk, she united with Greater Walking By Faith Ministries under the leadership of Reverend Wayne Ewings. She was a faithful member who devoted herself to service as a Deaconess and worked willingly wherever needed.   Marlene was a vessel who was rooted and grounded in the Lord., who loved her church family immensely, and who   remained humble and prayerful in her daily walk.

Marlene was a very persistent individual whose professional work life was   diverse and rewarding. For numerous years, she was employed as a supervisor at Interstate Warehouse Services. In later years, her passion for creating great food coupled with her culinary training spurred her to pursue a teaching career with the Randolph County School System in the Culinary Arts Department. Daily, Marlene shared her knowledge and expertise with many students and taught them how to cook with instinct while creating great flavors and making wonderful food. In addition to her career, she also supported numerous community and civic organizations. She held membership in the American Legion Post 512 and served has Auxiliary President in 2008-2009.

Often described as a kind, compassionate, and loving individual, Marlene was the sunshine in many hearts and never knew a stranger.   She had a servant's heart and took great pride in using her God-given talents to help others. Her love for family and friends knew no boundaries and she touched their lives in a very special way. She was the kind of person that anyone would be proud to call mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. To know her was to love and respect her.

On Sunday, November 1, 2020, Marlene transcended from life on earth to spend life with our Lord. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by three siblings, Michael Thomas, Charles Thomas, and Cynthia Morris.

She leaves many loving memories that will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Letito Adams (Sederick L. Adams), Shonta Thomas, Marlethe Thomas, Nicole Thomas, and Dontarrious Thomas all of Albany, GA; six grandchildren; son-in-law, Grady Morris of Jacksonville, FL; siblings, Mildred Thomas, Annie Lois Morrow, Raymond Thomas, Robert Thomas, Jerry Turner, Curtis Thomas, Michael Thomas, and Valerie Thomas all of Albany, GA, Gary Davis (Darlene Suttles) of Atlanta, GA, and Vivian Turner (Rodney Gibson) of Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended   family, and friends.