Mary Jane Ahart

Funeral services for Mary Jane Ahart of Wills Point are scheduled for 10:00 am, Thursday, February 13, 2025, at St.Mark CME.  Burial will be held at 2:00 pm at the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery. Mary passed away on January 26, 2025, in Tyler. Services are under the direction of Hiett's LyBrand Funeral Home.

Mary Jane Ahart was born on November 27, 1951, to the late John Henry Thomas Sr. and the late Julia Nell Thomas in Autauga County, Alabama. Mary was an intelligent, fearless, and free-spirited person. She was among the first African American students to integrate into an all-white school at Autauga County High School in Prattville, Alabama. After graduating, she pursued higher education at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. While an undergraduate in college, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She later undertook graduate studies in Laboratory Science, always eager to expand her knowledge and skills.

Mary’s education and adventurous spirit led her to opportunities across the country. She worked at several various well-known institutions, including the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and later the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where she eventually retired. In addition to her professional career, Staff Sergeant Mary Thomas Ahart proudly served over 20 years in the Army Reserve, providing essential medical services throughout the United States. While working at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Mary met Kyle Ahart, and in 2007, they were united in  marriage. Though they did not have children together, Mary embraced and maintained a loving relationship with Kyle’s children.

Mary accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. She actively participated in every church she joined in the various cities where she lived. In her later years, she fellowshipped at St. Mark Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Wills Point, Texas, where she served as an usher. Mary deeply cherished the love and support she received from her church family. Mary Jane, as she was affectionately known, was the second-born child and was held in high regard by her siblings. She was a tireless worker who used her  knowledge and experiences to uplift and encourage others. As a generous giver, she never hesitated to lend a helping hand to ease the burdens of those around her. Her unwavering faith and trust in God gave her the strength to bravely face health challenges while continuing to inspire and support her loved ones. Mary’s love, devotion, and protective nature will be truly missed.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Kyle Ahart; stepchildren and step- grandchildren; her sister, Doris Thomas (Prattville, AL); her brothers, John Thomas (Charmain) (Philadelphia,  PA), Albert Thomas (Shnique “Nikki”) (Prattville, AL), and Eugene Thomas (Atlanta, GA); two nieces, four nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins,  other relatives, and dear friends.

Mary will reunite in Glory with her parents, John Henry Thomas Sr. and Julia Nell Thomas, as well as her siblings, Katie Lue Thomas, Hattie Mae Clay, Jimmy Lee Thomas, and Romulus Thomas.

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