Della May (Thomas) Maze1920-2000

Della May Maze was born January 22, 1920 in Birch Tree, MO in Shannon County. She was one of six children born to the union of the late Houston and Melinda Evalina (Nicholson) Thomas.

She went home to be with her Lord the afternoon of July 19, 2007 at her home in Jefferson City, MO, at the age of 87 years, 5 months and 27 days.

Della grew up in Birch Tree where she attended grammar school, and graduated from Mtn View High School in 1938.

On February 8, 1943, Della was united in marriage with James Everett Maze, and to this union two children, Janet Sue and James Thomas, were born. She lost James Thomas in infancy, and James Everett preceded her in death on February 2, 1985.

When Della was young, she was baptized in the river near Alley Springs. She rededicated her life in later years at First Baptist Church of Waynesville where she was a long time, faithful and active member. She taught youth Sunday School classes, helped with Vacation Bible School and was a member of Women's Missions. She loved preparing her Sunday School lessons for the children.

Della enjoyed growing beautiful flowers, gardening, reading and working crossword puzzles. She loved spending time with family and friends, laughing and visiting. In her later years, she felt great pride in assisting at the nursing home with the "old folks."

Della was very dearly loved, and will be sadly missed by her daughter: Janet Sue Hart of Jefferson City, MO; one sister: Jewel Duncan of Kansas City, MO; two grandchildren; six great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, her baby son and her husband, Della was also preceded in death by four brothers: Lawrence, Lester, Howard and Leon Thomas.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Dr. Dennis Crowder officiating. The songs "Keep on the Sunny Side", "Down To The River To Pray", "I'll Fly Away" and "Precious Memories" were played. Della's daughter, Janet Hart sang "The Lord's Prayer" and read a beautiful eulogy that she had written about her mother. Serving as escorts were Brian Fitzsimmons, Joseph Fitzsimmons, Joel Hart and Dennis Vaught.

Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Della Maze and may be left at Waynesville Memorial Chapel.