Mary Emma Basley Thomas was born on May 10. 1934 to to proud parents Hardy and Lucinda Basley on May 10, 1934, in Macon, GA.   She resided in Cincinnati, since the age of six.  She attended Harriet Beecher Stowe School.

She surrendered her life to Christ, in April 2002, after the untimely deaths of her sons, Pedro and Robert.  She united with the family of New Unity Baptist Church.  She was best known for celebrating, and expressing her love for family and friends with delicious home cooked meals, music, and lots of  laughter.  She was also a passionate reader.

Mary transitioned from this earthly world on October 17, 2022. She was preceded in passing  by her husband, Thomas L. Thomas;  sons, John (Pedro) Basley, Claude Bullock, Jr. Robert Bullock and Kenneth Norwood and grandsons, Tyrell Ellington, Christian Basley and Claude La'Tee Bullock.

Mary leaves to celebrate her life and rejoice in her memory: daughters, Gloria (Carlos), Barbara (Anthony), Beverly, Gwendolyn, Michelle, Jennifer, Jeanette, and Geraldine, (Leroy); sons, Freddie, Tyrone, Obie, Michael (Wanda), and Thomas, Jr.; brother, Eddie Basley (Diane); daughter-in-law, Barbara (Pedro); thirty grandchildren; sixty-nine great grandchildren and ten great great granchildren along with a host of relatives and friends.