Marianne Thomas

Marianne Prescott Thomas, 93, passed away on March 29, 2023 at Samarkand. The daughter of Marjorie and Dr. Frank Prescott, she grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and attended the Bright School, Girls’ Preparatory School and the University of Chattanooga where she majored in education and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. In 1952, she married Ira Lee Thomas III and had four children.

Her husband’s career required moving their family to six different cities over sixteen years. In 1968, however, Marianne returned to Chattanooga and began teaching elementary school and special education. A kind and gracious soul, Marianne was beautiful inside and out. Active at First Presbyterian Church, she supported several community ministries including First Friends, Touching Lives for Christ and It’s a Wonderful Life. She enjoyed music and dancing and was a member of the Chattanooga Music Club. In addition, Marianne tutored children through the GLAD program and participated in the Cumberland Hiking club and the D.A.R.
In her later years, Marianne moved to Santa Barbara, California to be near family. While there, she attended First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed painting, playing the piano, and learning Spanish. Her children are especially grateful for the excellent care she received in Santa Barbara at the Samarkand retirement community. Many people are to be thanked for the support she and the family received from the medical staff, nursing aids, activities personnel and administrators alike.

The joy of her life was her family which included her children, Mary Beth Bryce (Tom), Helen Caldwell (Mark), Patricia Thomas Popp (Norman), Dr. Ira Lee Thomas IV (Suzanne), 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family is gathering for a private memorial in May. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Samarkand Benevolent Fund, https://www.covliving.org/contact-us/donation/