Natalie Maria Thomas, 71, of Fayetteville, passed away Feb. 25, 2021. She was born March 17, 1949, in Tulsa, Okla., to William Francis Thomas, Jr. and Rita Mark Thomas.
Natalie graduated from Edison High School in Tulsa 1967. After raising her family, she attended the University of Arkansas where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. At the same time, she worked full time in the University of Arkansas Library interlibrary loan department. After earning her degree in 2007 (the oldest in her class) she continued to work in the library until her retirement. After retirement, she worked as a caregiver for disabled adults.
She sacrificed and worked hard her entire life to provide for her children. Service to others gave her much joy.
Natalie was especially passionate about studying the Bible, genealogy and history. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and thoroughly enjoyed the meetings of the Marion Chapter where she was able to share her insights and revelations of what she had researched about her family. She also participated in a weekly Bible study and small group for many years. She loved to read books on technology and psychology. Additionally, Natalie loved knitting and tried to use that skill to help others. Most recently, she knitted face masks for COVID and throws and pillowcases for her children. Last, Natalie loved animals. She nearly always had a pet from birds to cats and her beloved dog, Kara.
Natalie’s life was a living example of Colossians 3:14, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” When Natalie entered a room or spoke a word love was felt or heard. It naturally flowed from the pureness of her spirit. Natalie was patient and kind; she never envied others or boasted about her accomplishments or gifts; neither was she arrogant or rude to others but always spoke with gentleness. She never insisted on her own way but always deferred to the feelings of others. She was not irritable or resentful and she certainly did not rejoice at wrongdoing, but she rejoiced with the truth. Natalie always protected, persevered and believed and hoped the best about others.
One of the most endearing things about Natalie was the way she could laugh at herself. She was happiest when she was spending time with family and friends over a meal or coffee.
Natalie appreciated learning about and experiencing other cultures. For several years she hosted Japanese exchange students at the University of Arkansas. When they arrived, she labeled everything in her house in order to help them learn English. She remained in touch with many of them long past their time in the program.
A member of pioneer Arkansas families, Natalie was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents William Francis Thomas and Lucy Allen Thomas, her maternal grandparents Perry Charles Mark and Ina Cochran Mark, her parents William Francis Thomas, Jr. and Rita Mark Thomas, and one brother William Francis Thomas III.
She is survived by two sons, Dan Baxter and his wife, Amanda, of Denton, Texas, Matthew Baxter and his wife, Amelia, of Fayetteville, Ark., grandchildren Boothe, Blythe, Luke, Liam, and Lila. She is also survived by one brother Mark Allen Thomas, of Katy, Texas.
A graveside service was held at Eureka Springs Cemetery on March 5.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Life Styles, Inc. 2590 W. Sycamore Street, Fayetteville, Ark., or to the Marion Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, PO. Box 98, Fayetteville, AR 72702-9098.
To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.