Mary Eloise Thomas, 99, passed away peacefully on February 24th, 2016 from a long and rich life. Born in Mississippi in 1917 the family moved to Florida in 1926 and to the beaches area in 1939. Eloise was the eldest daughter of Mattie Harris and took great pride in helping rear her younger brothers and sisters. Married to Charles Paul Thomas in 1940 she gave birth to their daughter Priscilla while her husband was serving in the South Pacific during WWII. Retired from Southern Bell after 30 years, she served many years on the Beaches Hospital Auxiliary, served as past president of American War Mothers, was active with Telephone Pioneers of America and treasured her roles as elder and greeter at Community Presbyterian Church.
Predeceased by her husband, mother, four brothers and one sister. Eloise is survived by her daughter Priscilla T. Roberts, grandson Charles E. Wilson Jr., sister Patricia Bartleson, granddaughter Patricia J. Wilson, nieces, nephews and many other close, loving family members in Jacksonville and beyond.
The family received friends for a visitation on Sunday from 5-7 pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL. Funeral services were held 10:00 am Monday, Feb. 29th at Community Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Beach, with Pastor Peyton Hopkins officiating. Private interment will follow in H. Warren Smith Cemetery.
For those who prefer to make a donation, you are asked to consider Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.
June 9, 2026
