Carolyn Thomas

Carolyn Joy (Dean) Thomas, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away on October 9. She was raised by loving parents, Floyd and Charlotte Dean, and lived in the Albion and Marshall area while growing up with her three brothers, Floyd Jr., Eugene (Jocko), who preceded her in death, and Stephen Dean of East Leroy. She graduated from Marshall High School in 1948, met and married John F. (Jack) Thomas, and raised five children, Carol, Ron, Nancy, Janet (Snyder), and Gary on their farm on B Drive South. Jack and Nancy also preceded her in death. Dementia took over her recent years, but throughout her lifetime she was a kind, loving, generous mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be missed and remembered fondly by her family. She requested a simple, graveside ceremony, which will be held at Floral Lawn Gardens, 1490 East Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, on Friday at 12:00, with Reverend Carolyn Robinson Fisher officiating. Donations in Carolyn''s memory can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, www.hospiceswmi.org. The family is being assisted by Craig Kempf Funeral Services. "Mom, there are days that our hearts ache wishing you were here. But we know where you are the hurt and the pain disappear. There are no more tears. We can hear the sound as angels and your parents and brothers and Dad and Nancy gather around saying: This is where you belong. Welcome home." Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home.