On September 9, 2015, Shirley Marie Thomas (78), of La Plata (Mason Springs), Maryland, departed this earthly life and entered into eternal rest with the Lord. Shirley was the eldest child of the late Charles and Mary (Swann) Gray, born October 9, 1936 in Pisgah, MD.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Earl R. Thomas Sr., on September 3, 1955. They were the proud parents of six, the late Earl Jr., Patricia "Lynne", Teri, Joy, Eric, and Kim.

She attended Charles County Public Schools and was a graduate of Pomonkey High School. At an early age, she joined St. Mary's Star of the Sea, where she remained a faithful member until her passing.

After over 30 years of service with the Federal Government in the Washington Metropolitan area, she retired as a Facilities Service Employee. After retirement, Shirley joined and took great pleasure in sharing her many talents and hobbies with the Red Hat Society, Pomonkey High School Alumni Association, and the Town of Indian Head Senior/Community Center.

Prior to her illness, she enjoyed cooking. Her infamous potato salad was a family favorite. She also enjoyed Sunday dinner with her children and grandchildren, playing Bingo, Pokeno, shopping, and entertaining for family parties! When you saw her, you could always count on her smile.

She leaves to cherish her sweet memories, her children who will miss her dearly: Patricia "Lynne" Thomas, Teri Thomas-Bannister (husband Delmar), Joy Sheff (husband Odell), Eric Thomas, Sr. (wife Therese) and Kim Kearse-Rice (husband Rodney); like a daughter, LaSata Ball; siblings: Jimmy, David, Rose, Alice "Mae," Melvin, Sylvester "Vest," Lionel "Lonnie," Carroll, Thomas "Calvin," and Joseph "Joe;" grandchildren: Javon, Anton, LaTashia, LeKesha, Thomas, Terrod, Tiffany, Derrick, Eric Jr., Ebonee, Alexis, Rodney Jr., and Troy Jr; great grandchildren: Deja, Devonte, Aaliyah, Eric, Erica, Dapria, Shayla, Dylan, Nyah, Anaijah, Kamiyah, Amari, Angel, Shania and Devin; great-great grandson: Ahlyas. Shirley also has a host other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, husband and son, Shirley was preceded in death by her brother, Steve.

Viewing, 8:00am until 10:00am Friday, September 18, 2015 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland. Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00am at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 30 Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head, Maryland. Interment, St. Charles Cemetery, Glymont, Maryland. Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.