Mary Belle (Parkin) Thurman

Mary Belle Thurman, 94, of Poplar Bluff went to her heavenly home on December 12, 2021, at River Mist Assisted Living in Poplar Bluff. She was born May 5, 1927, to Wallace and Bertha Parkin in Butler County.

On March 12, 1948, she married Homer J. Thurman. He preceded her in death on June 25, 1991.

Mary grew up and spent most of her life in the Oak Grove Community. She attended Oak Grove School and graduated with the Poplar Bluff High School Class of 1945.

Following high school, Mary worked for Barnes Grocer Company until 1955. At that time, she chose to be a full-time housewife and stay at home mother. In 1970, she began working for the Poplar Bluff School District as a cook at Oak Grove Elementary School. She continued there until her retirement in 1989.

Mary was a member of the Oak Grove Homemakers Club. She had served as a volunteer with RSVP and sang with the RSVP Chorus. She was a long-time member of Oak Grove Landmark Missionary Baptist Church until it closed. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church and the Esther Sunday School Class. Mary enjoyed reading, sewing, music, singing, cooking for her family, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and attending church.

Her survivors include her daughter, Renae (Terry) Hicks of Poplar Bluff, her son, Randy Thurman of Williamsville; grandchildren Allison (Greg) Bell, Parker (Caitlynn) Thurman, and Johnathon Thurman; and great grandchildren, Brandt and Blayne Bell and Sophia Thurman.

She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. Besides her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brothers Earl Parkin, Jim Parkin, Donald Parkin, and Walter Parkin and her sisters Elva Parkin, Nella Kearbey, and Edna Carson.

Mary will be remembered for her strong faith, servant’s heart, and sweet disposition. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Baptist Church; 1813 Barron Road; Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services followed by the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Steve Patterson officiating. Burial will follow at Bays Spring Cemetery.

Willow Ridge Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mary B. Thurman. Online condolences may be expressed at www.willowridgefcs.com