Mary Thayer

Mary Elizabeth Michael Hall Thayer (better known as Liz to many) was born in Booneville, MS on December 24, 1938. She was a resident at the Boyington Nursing Center at the time of her death on January 18, 2017. As a teenager she moved with her mom from Booneville to Laurel, MS where she graduated from George S. Gardner High School in 1956. She continued her education at Jones County Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi before graduating from Arizona State University with a BA degree in Education. During her teaching career she taught in Arizona and Texas before returning to Mississippi where she taught for several years at Harrison Central High School. Her final teaching job was as a special education teacher at the Harrison County Child Development Center in Gulfport where she took special pride in her work with autistic students. She was skilled educator who devoted herself to her students and their families. She was greatly loved and appreciated for her commitment to those she taught through the years.
Liz was an outgoing and fun person who had many interest in her life. She was an excellent basketball player in her youth and later became a huge football fan while supporting the Mississippi State Bulldogs and New Orleans Saints. She enjoyed traveling, golf, dancing, playing cards, working puzzles, sharing recipes, and country music.
The thing Liz most treasured was her friends and family. She endured many sad and painful moments throughout her life, but was always encouraged and supported by those she loved. She was known for her personal courage and strength and was always ready to offer love and friendship to those who needed her. Among her many friends was a group known as The Flamingos. Together this group of likeminded women shared many good times whether gathering to eat, sharing a cruise, or simply being together.
Liz will be greatly missed by all who knew her. As a person of faith she held firmly to her belief that she would one day be reunited with her family and loved ones in the presence of God.
She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Ruth Michael, her brother Leon, her first husband Dee Hall and their two sons, Michael and Kyle, and her second husband Al Thayer. She was beloved wife, mother, aunt, cousin, relative and friend.
A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2017 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three River Road, Gulfport. Interment will be at Biloxi National Cemetery on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 10:00AM.
Online tributes can be made at www.riemannfamily.com