Mary Alice Thompson-Lynch's Obituary
Mary Alice Tipton Thompson Lynch of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was a faithful servant of God and a kind, generous, compassionate lady with a wonderful sense of humor. She died on April 18, 2024, at the age of 87.
Mary was born in Tahoka County, O’Donnell, Texas on March 24, 1937, to Lattie and Ella Mae Thomas Tipton. She studied business at Borger Vo-Tech and later attended Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville.
She met the love of her life, John Thompson, on a blind date. They married on November 30, 1956, in Borger, Texas and had many wonderful years together before he passed away on March 15, 1998. They welcomed two children, Cheryl Jan Thompson and Gerald Odean Thompson, into their lives. They were devastated when their son, Gerald, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 19.
She was again blessed with love when she met Richard Gene Lynch. They were married on February 21, 2009, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and enjoyed many happy years until his passing on July 19, 2022.
She was passionate about her position with the Treasury Department at Phillips Petroleum Company where she worked from 1968 until her retirement in 1989.
An active member of the Church of Christ from the age of 12, she has continued in her love and faithful service to the Lord throughout her life.
In 1971, Mary and John were initiated in the Unity Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in Bartlesville. She held many offices and belonged to the Grand Representatives Association. She started a scholarship fund as the Chairman to help students further their education at a college or vo-tech.
She enjoyed movies and loved attending live theatre. At the age of 62, she discovered a passion for painting. She loved to travel and go on adventures with family and friends. She also enjoyed playing board games and held a special place in her heart for her beloved Bunco Buddies.
A lover of children and pets, her smile would light up a room at the sight of a baby and she became Nana Mary to many precious children. She also had a soft spot for all her furry friends with a special place in her heart for a Westie named Mandy Marie and a Shih-Tzu named Cassie Marie.
She will always be remembered for her love and generosity to many and the way she made everyone feel like her chosen family. Those closest to her will always remember her bright, beautiful smile and imagine hearing her say, “There’s never a dull moment with Mary!” Her joy of life and love of learning and sharing her wisdom with others will never be forgotten. She will be missed every day and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; two sisters; son, Gerald; first husband, John; and second husband, Gene. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Tom Saunders, two granddaughters and their husbands, Meghan and Donny Hodges and Tiffany and Casey Flickinger, and several grandchildren along with step-children and step-grandchildren of the Foshee family. She had multiple “adopted” families including Jennifer and Danny Newman, Joyce and John Burdine, and Jim Elam and family. Jim became her best friend, bringing love, companionship, and much laughter to her final years. She loved her family and friends deeply and will be eternally grateful for everything they did to include her in their lives.
Viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 at Floral Haven Funeral Home from 4:00PM-7:00PM. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 25th, 2024 at 11:00AM at Church of Christ in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. A reception will follow the service. A graveside service will be held at 2:00PM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
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