Mary Sue Goforth Thomas

June 23, 2020

Mary Sue Goforth Thomas, age 68 of Charlotte, died peacefully on June 23, 2020 after a short illness. Mary Sue was born August 6, 1951 to William “Tootsie” Jackson Goforth and Margaret “Bootsie” McWilliams Goforth.

She graduated from Myers Park High School in 1969, St. Mary’s College in 1971, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from UNC Charlotte in 1973. For 44 years Mary Sue was married to Charles “Charlie” Lewis Clark Thomas. She worked in the Microbiology Department at Presbyterian Hospital and for the American Red Cross before retiring to become a full-time homemaker, and to be a loving mother to her son William “Bill” Cansler Thomas. 

Mary Sue was a life-long member of Myers Park United Methodist Church, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. Her church and faith in God were central to her life.  She and Charlie were members of the Genesis Sunday School class. Among other things she enjoyed flower arranging.

Mary Sue was an unusually thoughtful and kind person. She had a disarming sense of humor, and she was always humble. She was quite dedicated to the things in life that were important to her.

Mary Sue is survived by her husband Charlie, her son Bill and partner Shai Muse, her sister Gail Goforth and husband Ward Simmons, and many loving cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father and mother.

A private celebration of Mary Sue’s life will be held at Myers Park United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myers Park United Methodist Church, or Loaves and Fishes.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Mike Bacon

    Charley,I am sorry for your loss.I knew you better than Mary Sue but,the few times I met her she was very nice. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mary She's family., I wish I lived closer to you so we could talk about old times when we were in the Army together. Keep happy thoughts with her and these hard times will be a little easier. Remember she is with Jesus now where there's no pain or sadness and she has a new body that is perfect and Will never be hurting or sick again.

    God Bless you,
    Mike Bacon

  • Rusty Josephs Gray

    Mary Sue was one my funniest friends growing up, grammar school through high school! She was hilarious, smart, and sweet. I had completely lost touch with her since high school, although I saw her once at Park Place when we were about 30. I’m so sad for her family and close friends and for me for myself for losing my chance to see her again.
    Sincerely,
    Rusty

  • Jennie Lacivita

    Sending loving thoughts with sympathy to all the family . I share many memories growing up and as young mothers sharing our hearts together . Sweet memories from a long time ago.
    Jennie Hawthorne Lacivita

  • Carol King Butler

    Especially for Charlie Thomas, and the rest of his family, I just learned via a friend a few minutes ago that Mary Sue had passed. I am heart broken for you, Charlie. I know how devoted and loving you were to her and everyone else. I remember basically the only time most of the family could get together was at our grandmother and grandfather's house: Caroline Moore Thomas and Charles L.C. Thomas. You and I were each of their namesakes. We'd all come from out of town it seems but we cared and shared many laughs and I miss every bit of that. I miss our times at "THE RIVER," and the great love "Big Daddy," your father and mine had for you. I cannot imagine you not having her beside you. Please let's talk soon. I know with Covid-19 it is a difficult time to interact and mourn in honor of Mary Sue. Just know that I am here for you and am so very moved and compassionate about her leaving. I always say to myself, people may die but love goes on. I will be in touch, Charlie. I love you.

  • dianne brawley

    MY DEAR FRIEND MARY SUE.MY SAINT MARYS ROOMATE WE SHARED AL OT OF GOOD TIMES TOGETHER.SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART

  • Kate Young

    Jimmy and I are so sorry to hear about Mary Sue. We had a lot of fun at St. Mary’s and UNC together. She was such a sweet and thoughtful person. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking of you.

  • Sherrill Knight

    Please accept my condolences for the loss of Mary Sue. I was a friend from Eastover Elementary, so I knew Mary Sue when we were very young. I am so sorry for your loss and it is far too soon. Love, Sherrill Osborne Knight

  • Kathy and Bob Goins

    We are so sad to hear of Mary Sues death. I have such wonderful memories of our neighborhood gang and your mother calling Mary suuuuuuu when we had to come in. Mary Sue always came running! Much love to your family. Kathy