Obituary of Mary Susan Bezz Thomas

Mary Susan Bezz Thomas, 95, fell asleep in the Lord on September 5, 2014. The visitation will be at Golden Funeral Home in Bastrop on Sunday, September 7 from 5-7 pm, with the Holy Rosary said at 6:30 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 11 am, followed by graveside services at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Father Lejo Thomas and Father Richard Norsworthy will officiate at the Mass, and Mr. Pat Jones will lead the Rosary. Sue Thomas, or "Aunt Sue" as she was known around town, was born on August 23, 1919 in McGehee, Arkansas to John and Denia Bezz. From the time she was seven years old, Aunt Sue worked in the family store, and at age 10 she was even taught how to use the register. Aunt Sue would fondly recall how she was sometimes left to run the store by herself at 10 years old while her father would take care of other business or make deliveries across town - and her business savvy stayed with her for the rest of her life. Educated by the German Benedictines at St. Winand's Catholic School in McGehee, Aunt Sue would always recount how her experiences with these priests and nuns deeply influenced her and how they gave her the strength and faith which remained with her throughout the course of her life. In 1938 she left McGehee to marry Nathan "Ned" Thomas, and settled in Bastrop. Except for the World War II years spent in Tennessee and in Monroe, Aunt Sue has since called Bastrop home; she truly loved Bastrop, and was a proud member of the community and a great patriot. She was especially proud of her husband's service for his country during World War II, during which time he served on the European front and repaired the radio transmitter at the top of the Eiffel Tower. The Thomases owned and operated Dixie Shoe Shop - and TV and Radio Repair, as some might recall - in downtown Bastrop until 1989. So strong was their Catholic devotion that they attended Mass at St. Joseph's every day for as long as their health allowed. When Uncle Ned passed away in 1995, Aunt Sue's nephews and nieces began seeing after her, and by that time, anyone who hadn't yet known her as "Aunt Sue" grew to know her as "Aunt Sue". Aunt Sue was fiercely devoted to her family, and she looked upon all of them as her children. Aunt Sue will be remembered for quiet yet resolute personality, her unfailing honesty, her unwavering devotion to her family and friends, her Christian and Catholic piety, and her staunch faith in her Lord and Savior. She will also be remembered for all her beautiful crochet work that she so generously gave to the sick, the needy, and her loved ones, and the consistently perfect cakes she brought to every church function and family gathering. Aunt Sue also loved her Red Hat Ladies, and with all the Red Hat group - especially devoted friends Sue Cupit, "Pink Hatter" Janet Fortner, and her most beloved friend Marie Jones - Aunt Sue experienced goodwill, sisterhood, and true joy. Aunt Sue overcame great adversity in her life and did it with grace and resolve. She had inner peace through her faith, and she achieved personal triumph through her courage. She was the last of her generation, the matriarch of our family. She will always be a shining example for us all. Sue Thomas was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Nathan "Ned" Thomas; her parents John and Denia Bezz; brother and sister-in-law Ben and Chefia Bezz; brother Melech Bezz; most devoted sister Virginia Elias and brother-in-law Louis Elias Sr; nieces Deon Short and Mary Jo Mansour; great-niece and namesake Lynda Susan Elias; nephew Joe Mansour Sr., and great-nephew Kevin Short. She is survived by her nephews, Dr. Donnie Elias and wife Carol; Dr. Ab Elias and wife Elaine; niece Yvonne Shaheen and husband Philip; great-nieces Linda Maturey and husband Robert, Lisa Vanderburg and husband Keith, Chalayne Ainley and husband Joe, Suzi Alderete, Virginia Sabine and husband Peter, and Jessica Elias; great-nephews Louis Elias and wife Barbara, Jeremy Elias and wife Stephanie, and Joe Mansour; closest friend Marie Jones and husband Pat; and great-grand-nieces, great-grand-nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would also like to thank the kind and thoughtful staff at Lagniappe Health Care, which Aunt Sue called home for the last three years. The family must extend special thanks to our friend Kate McClendon, Activity Director at the Lagniappe, fellow parishioner at St. Joseph's, and beloved friend to Aunt Sue. Lord, remember us when we come into your Kingdom - we know without doubt you will remember our beloved Aunt Sue. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be eternal.