Mary Idell Andrews Thomas, of Burgaw, died on Friday, January 5th, 2018 at Pender Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility. A graveside service will be held at 1 PM, Wednesday, January 10th at Buffalo Memorial Cemetery in Sanford, NC. Reverend George Walton will officiate.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry D. Thomas, Sr. in 1999, and her son Harry D. Thomas, Jr. in 2010.

She is survived by her son Tommy and wife Susan of Castle Hayne; son Richard and wife Katie of Burgaw; five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Miss Idell was born on June 12, 1922 in Lee County, NC, the youngest of five children of Mr. and Mrs. O.B. Andrews of Sanford. She graduated from Sanford High School and married her husband Harry on January 9th, 1939 in El Paso, TX while he was stationed at Fort Bliss. After World War II, the couple moved to Burgaw where Mr. Thomas was employed by Four County EMC. Over time, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas started what would become a successful family-owned and operated produce farm that exists to this day. It was there that her outgoing personality and unparalleled work ethic touched many lives, her customers and employees alike.

Miss Idell was an avid sports fan, especially golf, as she was active for years in the Buccaneer Country Club chapter of the Women's Sandtrappers' League. She also enjoyed pro and college football and basketball, especially all games involving her beloved NC State Wolfpack. In later years, she and Harry had the opportunity to do quite a bit of traveling, once going to Alaska and back by motor home, a journey of some 13 weeks. She may have been most well-known, however, for her prowess in the kitchen. Home-cooked meats, vegetables, biscuits and gravy, and all the fixings could be found and enjoyed in her dining room. She was known far and wide for her signature chicken and dumplings, and her chocolate chip cookies and pecan fudge were legendary.

A lifelong cat lover, Miss Idell had many through the years, and no stray that turned up in her yard was ever turned away. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the Pender County Humane Society. The family would like to thank the staff of Pender Memorial for their care and compassion during Miss Idell's stay, and extend special thanks to caregiver Nancy Robertson of Burgaw.

You are invited to sign the guest book above and write a tribute to the family.