Martha Forrest Thomas Burris

Martha Forrest Thomas Burris, 83, of Columbus, Ga, passed away peacefully at Florence Hand Nursing Home in LaGrange, GA. A funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2014 beginning at 2:00 P.M. EST at Vance-Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Road, Columbus, GA, 31907. Reverend Jonathan McNeese will be officiating. Interment will take place Monday, December 15, at 11:00 A.M. at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12:00 P.M. EST. at the funeral home. Martha Forrest Thomas Burris was born June 8, 1931 in Columbus, GA, daughter of the late Joseph Benny Forrest and Martha Allen Forrest. Martha graduated from Baker High School class of 1948. During her professional career she accomplished many achievements. She later became the Administrative Secretary for former Mayor J.R. Allen. Martha served as the secretary for Chattahoochee Valley Fair Association, and was also the former President of the Professional Business Women of Columbus. Martha was a talented piano player and enjoyed sharing her gifts by playing for Greater Life Baptist Church. Other than her parents Martha is preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, James Lee Thomas; her second husband, Warren Monk Burris; son James “Jimmy” Thomas; and Brother William B. Forrest. Survivors include, son Jerry Thomas and wife Debbie of Fayetteville, GA; daughter in law, Leslie Thomas, of Hamilton, GA; sister, Kitty McKeel of Columbus, GA; brothers, Joe B. Forrest of Powder Springs, GA; Steven L. Forrest and wife Nancy of Jacksonville, FL; eight grandchildren, Natalie, Matthew, Nathan, Emily, Jay, Jack, Joseph, John, and their spouses. Martha also leaves behind numerous great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and caring friends. In lieu of flowers, the family request that those so desiring make memorial donations to the American Cancer Society at American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or at cancer.org.