With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Mary Joe Thomas, 62, of Lane, SC, who passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

A Life Well Lived

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." Isaiah 41:10

Mary Joe "MJ" Thomas, 62, of Lane, South Carolina, daughter of Mildred Cooper and the late Ellis Cooper, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026. She was born on June 16, 1964, and leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, strength, and unforgettable memories.

"MJ" was a fun, caring, and deeply loving woman who had a way of lighting up every room she entered. She was truly the life of the party, always bringing laughter, joy, and her unmistakable personality wherever she went. If you knew "MJ", you knew she loved to have a good time, and she never went anywhere without her signature shades. She loved Beyoncé, traveling, cooking, and shopping, and she embraced life with style and confidence.

"MJ" was also a woman of determination and ambition. She attended Benedict College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Commercial Arts. She continued her education at Grand Canyon University, earning her Master's degree in Education. "MJ" was employed with Williamsburg County School District as RBHS Counselor for several years and a proud business owner. "MJ" carried her creativity, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit into everything she did.

Beyond her accomplishments, "MJ's" greatest joy was the people she loved. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. Her love for her family, students, and community was evident in the countless memories she created and the impact she made on those around her.

"MJ" was preceded in death by her father, Ellis Cooper; one sister, Sandtwan Cooper; one son, Tafari Thomas and one grandchild, Master Zebulun Harvin.

MJ leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Brentnol Thomas; her children, Isis Thomas of Paterson, J, Waizero Harvin of Monroe, NC, Jahmal Thomas of Lane, SC and Makeda Thomas of Phoenix, AZ; her beloved grandchildren, Yasin Thomas and Zion Thomas of Paterson, NJ, Zuri Harvin of Monroe, NC; her mother, Mildred Cooper of Lane, SC; her sisters, Rosemary (Ben) Brown of Columbia, SC, Cynthia Cooper of Columbia, SC and Valerie Cooper of Kingstree, SC; her brothers, James (Doris) Cooper of Kingstree, SC and Malik Osario of Lane, SC; her adopted sisters, Celestine (Bernard) McIntosh of Lake City, SC, Yolanda (Terrance) Peterson of Ellabell, GA and Sharon Slay of Lane, SC; her adopted brother, Vincent Slay, Sr. of Lane, SC; her nephews, LaQuinthias James, Ellis Cooper, and Devante Green; her nieces, Tomayia Green and Essence Cooper; her grandnephew, Jaeson James; her grandniece, Kylee Scott; seven aunts, Ida Mae Alphonse of Miami, FL, Carrie (James) Parson of Columbia, SC, Helen Thompson, Mary McDonald, Thelma Dozier of Jacksonville, FL, Ida Mack, Philadelphia PA, Juewille Tisdale of Andrews, SC and Addie Bright of Lane, SC; two uncles, Charlie Bright and Bennie (Charlene) Bright both of Lane, SC; along with a host of extended family, students, classmates, friends, and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory and the lasting impact she made in their lives.

MJ's presence was a gift, her laughter was contagious, and her love was unforgettable. Though she is no longer with us, the memories she created, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave will continue to live on through her family, community, classmates, students and everyone blessed to have known her.

Rest peacefully, Dobby. Keep your shades on and keep shining diva. Your love, laughter, smile, and beautiful spirit will never be forgotten.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.