Marilyn Thomas

Marilyn Lavon Thomas, the first child of Rev. Karl and Dorothy Schuster and was born July 7th, 1929 in Liberal Kansas.  On December 26th, 2021 she went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Marilyn enjoyed all things feminine.  She was artistic and enjoyed interior decorating, fashion, and cooking.  Marilyn loved and enjoyed people!

Marilyn was the oldest of six siblings; Dean Schuster, Daryl Schuster, Larry Schuster, Carolyn Eastman, and Karla Peters.  She graduated high school while living in Smith Center Kansas and then moved to Kansas City where she attended secretarial school.  She started attending Linwood Methodist church where she met Samuel C. Thomas.  They were united in marriage on April 21, 1951.

Sam and Marilyn attended Linwood United Methodist Church for years.

Their first home was in south Kansas City.  This lovely couple had three daughters:  Terree, Tamra and Timarie.  Marilyn spent her time chauffeuring these three young ladies around town.  Marilyn and Sam attended Full Faith Church of Love (CrossPoints in Shawnee, Ks.) for about 30 years.  Marilyn and Sam served the Lord through multiple ministries.  Marilyn spent years serving with a team devoted to the production of a television show named, “Something Beautiful”.  They also hosted a weekly prayer meeting in their home where Marilyn dished out hospitality and Sam offered prayer.

Terree Gomer preceded her parents in death in the year 2000.  Terree and Jim Gomer have three children, Tiffany, Samuel, and Thomas.  Tamra and Brian Bruton have two children named, Stephanie and Rebekah.  Timarie and Geoff Rhines have four children named Alan, Karl, Molly, and Chelsea.  Marilyn leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Marilyn and Sam moved into Brookdale in Overland Park after selling their home in Brookside.  Samuel Thomas, her beloved husband, preceded Marilyn in death on December 1, 2013.

Marilyn moved from Brookdale to Cedar Lake Village and her last home was Good Samaritan’s Society of Olathe.

We celebrate Marilyn’s life and the encouragement she shared with so many.  She will be missed by those whose lives she touched.

Her Grand daughter Chelsea wrote, “The weekend before Christmas, Garrett Skirvin and I were able to travel to Kansas City to see family and relatives he hadn’t yet met. We were so grateful especially that we had a chance to see Grandma Mimi. It was clear she didn’t have much time left but she was able to say that she loved me and Merry Christmas. Grandma Mimi passed yesterday evening. We have so many wonderful memories spending Christmases with Grandma Mimi and Papa Sam and I will forever cherish those, although it is always very sad and hard to lose a loved one. I’m so thankful that not only her legacy of generosity, love, hospitality, friendship and family will live on but that ultimately she lived her life dedicated to Jesus and she can now be pain free, and live eternally with our Heavenly Father, worshipping joyfully before the Lord.”

Her Grand daughter Molly wrote, “My sweet grandma Mimi passed away on December 26th. She was 92 and finally met Jesus face to face! She would tell anyone who would listen about Jesus [❤️] .  Grandma wrote, “My favorite thing in life is being a wife and mother and grandmother and great grandmother and now being Sam’s caregiver (my Papa Sam before he passed) and being ambassador here for Jesus!!! Our #1 priority!”