Mary Elizabeth Wilburn (Thomas)

Obituary for Mary Elizabeth Wilburn

September 10, 1938 – July 16, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Wilburn, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on September 10, 1938, in Winnsboro, Texas, to Elijah Albert Thomas and Ollie Mae Nichols Thomas, Mary was a proud lifelong resident of Winnsboro, where she was deeply rooted in her faith, her family, and her community.

In her early years, Mary worked as a beautician, helping others feel their best with her warm smile and caring hands. She later devoted herself to the life of a dairy farmer, working tirelessly alongside her family—a testament to her strong spirit and work ethic.

Mary’s heart was always fullest when surrounded by the people she loved. Family, faith, and community were the core of who she was. Whether it was playing a competitive game of Skipbo, solving word puzzles with quiet determination, or belting out her favorite karaoke songs with her grandkids, Mary found joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments.

She is survived by her loving sister, Bobbie Sue; daughter, Belinda Baber Riley and husband Kenneth; and a host of adoring grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren:

Grandsons: Jeremy Baber, Eric Hart and wife Susan

Granddaughters: Stacey Hart Bennett and husband Ricky, Kourtney Ashley and husband Damon, Kassity Taylor and husband Justin

Great-granddaughters: Sierra White, Shy Anne Currey and husband Cawyer, Jessica Dunn and husband Robby, Kennedy Baber, Callie Barrett and husband Cody, Carley Singleton and husband Layne, Paige Baber, Kaitlyn Carder and husband Hunter, Kascedy Emmel, Brooke Taylor, Whitney Ashley

Great-grandsons: Dakota Rushing and wife Julie, Kainer Hart, Dillon Smith, Mathis Taylor, Colten Stevenson

Great-great-granddaughters: Addie Fry, Ella Kay Carden

Great-great-grandsons: Cooper Ayers, Owen Sparks, Ike Sparks, Clancy Singleton, Myles Currey, Galen Rushing

She also leaves behind many wonderful nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah and Ollie Mae Thomas; her first husband, Billy Baber, and second husband, Billie Wilburn; her sisters, Katherine Wallace, Ruth Banks, Margie Allen, Willie Maud Stephens, Hazel Screws; her brother, David Screws; her children, Vickie Snyder and Max Baber; and her grandson, Joey Hart.

Mary Elizabeth Wilburn will be remembered for her deep love for her family, her strength of character, and the laughter and music she brought into every room. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the memories that will be cherished forever.