Information on the Mae Belle Thomas Memorial Scholarship
Early Life
Mae Belle Thomas was born July 18, 1932 to Willie and Mae Ollie Alexander in Jacksonville,Texas. She grew up with her sister, the late Faye Carrol and her brother John Alexander. Mae Belle is best known for being a wife to Eddie Thomas who preceded her in death, a hardworking mother, a fierce and loyal sister, a loving grandmother, great grandmother and a beloved friend to many.
Mae united with the Forest Avenue Baptist Church under the pastorate of Pastor Greer and later joined the First Fellowship Baptist Church along with her beloved husband Eddie Thomas who preceded her in death to be with her family. It was a joy for her to see her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren each week. Mae proclaimed her love for God throughout her life and she would often thank God for letting her live a long life and for bringing her out of many difficult circumstances. She loved listening to Heaven 97 on Sundays and in the hospital during her brief illness.
As a wife, mother and grandmother
Granny Mae may not have realized the impact of her dedication to her family. She welcomed all of her children and grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren to her home anytime. Mae’s and Eddie’s home was the hub for holiday gatherings where she served her famous Sock-it-to me cakes, Sweet Potato pie, Italian Cream and Elvis Presley Pound Cake. Everyone enjoyed stopping by to talk, vent or just get a little wisdom. Granny loved to brag on the great things everyone in the family was doing and she was so proud of each of them. She loved each child in the family and was famous for taming children with her soft tone and a fly swater. She brought smiles and fear all at the same time! Granny wanted children to obey their parents and do well in school. Mae always knew each person’s birthday in the family and she blessed the children in the family with birthday clothes or pajamas from her favorite store, JC Penney.
As a Proverbs 31 Woman
Granny Mae worked inside and outside of the home. She often had multiple streams of income by selling Avon, Herbal Life and Mary Kay. Mae worked for Dallas Independent School District for ——Years, first working as a cook then into the position of Teacher’s assistant until her retirement in 20—
It was at Lisbon and Roger Q. Mills that granny would reach out and help students that were in need not only of physical needs but those who needed a mother figure in their lives. She also made many friends throughout her career and these friendships lasted a lifetime.
Our granny's life evolved from a daughter and sister to a wife and mother climaxing to be the matriarch of her family. Her traditions of food, flowers, love of God and family will forever be her legacy.