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Mary Glenn (Cobb) Thomas

Mary Glenn (Cobb) Thomas, born on September 12, 1935, in Houston County, passed away on May 29, 2026, surrounded by family in Mobile, Alabama. She was a woman known for poise and intelligence. Her life reflected kindness, grace and beauty as well as a wonderful sense of humor.

Mary was born to the late Johnnie Watson Cobb and James Marvin Cobb of the Big Creek Community. Following graduation from Rehobeth High School, Mary went on to become an educator, earning her degree from Troy University. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional honorary society for female educators.

Over a career that spanned more than 40 years, Mary devoted herself as a teacher in the Florida Panhandle and around the Wiregrass, eventually earning her MS to become a school counselor and later serving as school administrator. Following her retirement, she continued to be an encouraging mentor, teaching internationally at Hubei College of Education in Hubei, China.

Mary was always up for an adventure whether through travel, arts, culture, literature or welcoming people into her home. Mary was especially delighted in her garden, tending to her flowers and fruit trees. She was also an avid tennis player earning a ranking in the US Senior Division. Mary made friends wherever she went.

Her best friend was her husband of 70 years, Reverend John Paul Thomas. They served the Alabama – West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church in a lifelong ministry. Together they created a family where she embraced her role as a loving mother to her two boys. Her true joy was found in becoming a grandmother. She cherished the bonds with her family above all else.

She is survived by her son, Gregory Thomas; daughter-in-law Beth Thomas; and granddaughters, Meghan Rae Thomas and Emma Thomas. She also leaves behind her niece, Libby (Matt) Clark; and nephew, Joeseph Hardy; as well as great nephews, Matt Clark and Jamie Clark; and great niece, Allison (Chad) Clark Peters; along with great-great nephew, Sonny Liam Peters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend John Paul Thomas; her son, Jonathan Thomas MD; grandson, Alec Thomas; and sisters, Geraldine Cobb Rice and Margie Cobb Hardy.

A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Glover Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow. Visitation will take place from 9:00 until 9:45 a.m., prior to the service.