Obituary of Mary "Gaye" Gayle Thomas

Mary Gayle Thomas, our beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away at her home on February 25, 2024. Known to all as Gaye, she was born December 15, 1945, in Salisbury, NC. At the age of nine, she and her family moved to Decatur, GA where she made many friends. After graduating from Druid Hills High School, she was employed by Southern Bell as a switchboard operator. Her love of travel inspired her employment with Eastern Airlines as a stewardess. Gaye later married and moved to Columbia, SC where she started her family and raised two daughters. She graduated from USC in Art History and continued her career as an Interior Designer. Gaye’s love of art was always reflected in her beautiful home and many creative endeavors.

Gaye made many friends throughout her life as her positive and caring spirit was infectious. As a loving mother she was especially proud of her daughters and family time at the beach and mountains. She was grateful for her family travels and outings and in later years enjoyed looking through photo albums of treasured family memories.

Gaye was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Austin Sizemore, and her mother, Mary Hilley Sizemore. She is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth “Liz” Thomas of Columbia and Karen Sutton (Brandon) of Louisville, KY; her siblings, Julia “Judy” Peters, Tom (Lucia) Sizemore, and John (Lisa) Sizemore; many adored nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces; and lifetime friends. She brought joy and beauty to those around her and will be missed by all.

A private celebration of life will be held at the Riverbanks Botanical Gardens. Gaye’s ashes will be interred at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville, NC.

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.