Mary Dean Thomas

Mrs. Mary Dean Thomas (Gatewood) was born on January 5, 1934, to the late Lacey and Susie Gatewood in Bessemer, Alabama. Her faith served as a guide throughout her magnificent life. She was a faithful member of Faith Chapel Christian Center under theleadership of Dr. Michael D. Moore. Mary Dean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and educator. She was also a proud life member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated for over 65 years, where she served in the Basileus role for her local chapter for many years.She married the love of her life, Cleophus Thomas, Sr., in December of 1961. They shared a loving bond for 41 years and raised two successful sons, Myron and Cleophus, Jr.Mary Dean graduated from Dunbar High School at the age of 16. She was also a graduate of Alabama State University, where she attained a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She also earned a Master's Degree in Education and an Education Specialist Degree from the University of Montevallo. Mary Dean was an outstanding and dedicated educator who began her career in the Mississippi Delta during the Civil Rights Era. Although dangerous, she took the challenge head-on and never let anyone stand in the way of her passion. She became the first black supervisor and was instrumental in teaching children how to read. Upon returning home to Alabama, Mary Dean continued her career as an educator for Jefferson County Schools at Brighton Elementary and North Highland Elementary. She was one of the first African American teachers to integrate North Highland Elementary. Her career with Birmingham City schools culminated as the Assistant Principal of Dr. A.G. Gaston Elementary School. Every child she educated was treated as her own. Education was her calling, and it showed. She dedicated countless hours to teaching and mentoring other educators to reach their highest potential. After her retirement in 1994, Mary Dean could not escape her passion for educating; she led a top-ranked State of Alabama GED program, Project Chance, with the support of the Fairfield Board of Education and Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church (Pastor David W.Craig). Project Chance produced many successful graduates who received their GED and went on to graduate college. She received a Certificate of Appreciation Award from the State Department of Alabama for Outstanding Administrator.Mary Dean entered into her eternal rest on January 6, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleophus Thomas, Sr.; parents, Lacey and Susie Gatewood McGee; siblings, Curtis Gatewood, Sr., and Ethel Ruth Smith Payne; and grandson, Ian. Mary Dean will be missed dearly by: her devoted sons, Myron (Barbara) Thomas of Bessemer, Alabama, and Cleophus (Maloria) Thomas, Jr., of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; two brothers, Lacey Gatewood, Sr., of Chicago, Illinois, and William Henry (Jean) Gatewood of Clarksdale, Mississippi; sister, Mildred (Joseph) Rancher of Bessemer, Alabama; grandchildren, Lawrencia (James)Richardson of McCalla, Alabama, and Alakan Thomas, and Xavia Gantz, both of Atlanta, Georgia; great-grandchildren, Cayden homas, Morgan, Lauren, Londyn Richardson, and Autumn Thomas; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.Special thanks to Dr. Luis F. Pineda, M.D., Mrs. Barbara Thomas, and Mrs. Ora Williams for taking outstanding and compassionate care of our mother.

Events

Visitation

January 12, 2021, 12:00 pm
January 12, 2021, 6:00 pm
Poole's Funeral Chapels
1501 7th Avenue, North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Email: wecare@poolefuneralchapel.com
Phone: (205) 322-5574

Graveside

January 13, 2021, 1:00 pm
January 13, 2021, 12:00 am
Highland Memorial Gardens
3115 18th Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020

Final Resting Place

Highland Memorial Gardens
3115 18th Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020

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