Mary Thornton Gleason

Mary Thornton Gleason, age 77, of Alabaster, Alabama passed away on August 28, 2017, peacefully at her home with her family. She was born in Florence, Alabama, and was raised in Montevallo with her two brothers. She graduated Alabama College (University of Montevallo) and received her Master’s degree from the University of Alabama. She spent her career in education. In her early career, she taught at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. She spent 32 years teaching 1st grade at Thompson Elementary School, where she molded many young students. She was an active member of Alabaster First United Methodist Church, and was involved in virtually every capacity available. She had a servant’s heart, and she received her joy from helping others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melton D. “Moon” Thornton and Mabel Wilcoxson Thornton; her son, Christopher Joseph Gleason; and sister-in-law, Sara Weems. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Fred Gleason, Jr.; daughter, Mary Beth Gleason; son, Frederick Gleason III (Connie); granddaughters, Ashley Eckel, Sara Holley, and Jenna Holley; brothers, Daniel Thornton (Molly) and Jonne Thornton (Becky); brother-in-law, Philip Gleason (Memory); and many nieces, nephews, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2017 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at Alabaster First UMC. Her Celebration of Life will be at the church on Friday, September 1, 2017 at 1:00 PM, with burial to follow at Montevallo City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee for Relief) in memory of Mary Gleason for Hurricane Harvey relief. Mail to Alabaster First UMC, 10903 Hwy 119, Alabaster, AL 35007.