Marie Bence Thomas

Marie Bence Thomas, age 88, of Cleveland, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2023.

Mrs. Thomas was born on February 4, 1935, in Helen, Georgia, to the late Earl and Willie Bell York Thomas.  She was a homemaker and attended Cleveland Worship Center.  Marie was a bright, shining light to everyone around her and she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly.  She was a talented musician, could play any instrument you gave her, and was the best piano player around.  “Dean and Marie and the Pleasant Valley Gang” were weekly guests on the Bob Poole Show.  Marie enjoyed writing songs and poems and was always happy, loving, positive, and could keep you laughing with her quick wit.  There was never a dull moment when she was around, and she will be missed dearly by all that knew her.  In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her first husband, Dean Bence; and late husband, Bonnell Thomas.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Deana Bence Grizzle (Vaughn); sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis Dean Bence (Harriette), and Derrick Thomas (Tabitha); grandchildren, Brelan Adams Ellis (Andy), Darla Adams Allison (Jeff), Tracy Burns, Dennis Tyler Bence (Courtney), Ryan Andrew Bence (Jessica), Aaron Thomas; Brittany Thomas, Taylor Thomas, Christopher Thomas; great-grandchildren, Ridge Ellis, Cove Ellis, Kyler Allison, Ethan Allison, BilliKayl Allison, Bence Allison, Amelia Bence, Elliott Bence, Jackson Bence, Jayden Bence, Ryland Bence, and Paisley Bence; brother and sister-in-law, Garland and Janell Thomas; and sister, Bonnie Thomas Kearse; as well as her nieces and nephews and extended family.

A celebration of life will be held later this fall at Marie’s home.

To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com

Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland.