Mary Catherine “Cathy” Thomas, born June 10, 1947, in Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home in Brooker on August 12, 2026, following an extended illness.

Cathy was a woman who loved her family deeply and spent her life taking care of the people around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, sister, and friend, and her family was always at the center of her world.

Cathy was married to Donnie Thomas for more than 52 years. Together, they built a life filled with family, hard work, good memories, and the many ups and downs that come with a lifetime together. Through it all, they remained by each other’s side.

She was a loving mother to David Dearing (Vicki), Amanda Matti (James), Shelley Vignola (David), and Michelle Swanson. She was preceded in death by her son, James Michael “Bo” Thomas, whose memory remained a special part of her heart and her family’s life.

Being a Nana was one of Cathy’s greatest joys. She loved her grandchildren dearly: Tyler Michael Thomas, Andrew Dearing, Austin Donnie Thomas, Austin Matti, Alyssa Matti, and Hayden Crewsl; as well as her great-grandchildren, Annslie Thomas, Alister Thomas, Tyler Michael Thomas II, John David Dearing, and Hunter Matti. She was proud of each of them and loved watching them grow, always ready with encouragement, advice, or simply a listening ear. Cathy is also survived by her brother, T.L. Ogier. 

Cathy was a hard worker throughout her life. In the early 1990s, she owned Light Spread and Red Fox restaurants in Macclenny, FL. She enjoyed bringing people together, cooking good food, and making sure everyone who walked through the door felt welcome.

Later, Cathy worked at UCI and RMC prisons until her retirement in 2006. She was known for her strong work ethic and the integrity she brought to everything she did.

Outside of work, Cathy found happiness in the simple things. She loved flowers and could spend hours enjoying the beauty around her. She especially loved watching hummingbirds outside her window. She also loved to cook, and for Cathy, cooking was about much more than putting food on the table. It was one of the ways she showed her love. Feeding her family, gathering everyone around a meal, and knowing the people she loved were happy were some of the things that meant the most to her.

Those who knew Cathy will remember her as a strong, caring woman with a big heart. She was the family matriarch — the one who loved fiercely, worried deeply, gave plenty of advice, and always wanted the best for the people she loved. Her family and friends will miss her stories, her cooking, her stubborn streak, her kindness, and most of all, simply having her there.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Mary Ogier, and her beloved son, James Michael “Bo” Thomas. 

Visitation will be held on August 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at New River Baptist Church, 16703 SW 144th Ave, Brooker, FL. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church, with interment to follow at New River Baptist Church Cemetery.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever a part of the family she loved so much.