Dr. Mary Lynn Thomas, born August 22, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, to Thessalonia Thomas and Gladys Louise Gay Thomas, was lovingly raised by her mother and her grandparents, Rufus and Mary Gay, following her father’s passing in 1957. Their guidance and faith shaped her lifelong commitment to service.
She grew up in Dallas, Fort Worth, and later Austin, where she professed her faith at age nine and attended Sims Elementary, Allan Junior High, and Johnston High School. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Texas State University.
Dr. Thomas began her career in Commerce ISD before joining Austin ISD in 1979. Over more than four decades, she served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and later a central office leader, ultimately retiring as Executive Director. She was known for her integrity, compassion, and dedication to students and families.
After retiring from Austin ISD, she continued her public service as Precinct 1 Coordinator for the Travis County Court system. In 2022, she was elected to the Manor ISD Board of Trustees and later served as Vice President.
Her distinguished career earned numerous honors, including recognition as one of the 25 Influential Women in Central Texas (2011) and a Top 100 Global Leader in Education (2021). She was a faithful servant warrior leader member of Greater Calvary Bible Church, International, under the leadership of Metropolitan Archbishop, Dr. Sterling Lands, II where she served as deaconess, church clerk and many other committees.
She now rests in glory with her father, Thessalonia Thomas; her mother, Gladys Jimmie Gay Thomas; her grandparents, Mary Magdalene Lewis Gay and Rufus Gay; her grandson, Nahum Jones; and other beloved relatives.
She leaves to celebrate her life: her son, Nelson Starr Robinson Jr. (Sheila); her daughter, Ne’Shaun Lynnette Robinson; her brother, Robert Stanley Thomas; her special sister, Roxie Gray Witt; grandchildren O’Lee Washington III, Bethany Holmes (Spencer), Nelson Starr Robinson III, Mariah Alise Robinson, Kendall Benford-Robinson, William Zachariah Demonde Jones, and Trinity Simone Lynnette Jones; great-grandsons Charlie Hicks, Kaizer Ali Snead, and Truman Holmes; great-granddaughter Iris Bella Bedford-Robinson; her aunt Vivian Gay Wells; special cousin The Honorable Glen O. Lewis (Arveda); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.