Mary Kay Thompson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mary Kay Thompson, 78, of Joplin, died peacefully June 25 at home.

Born May 7, 1944 at a naval hospital in New Jersey to the late Stewart M. Stanley and Naomi G. Stanley, Mary Kay was the oldest of four children. The family settled and she lived most of her life in Joplin, Missouri.

She worked for the Neiman Marcus department store in Dallas, Texas. Later, she became a real estate agent. She volunteered for many years at the Freeman Hospital gift shop.

She and her husband, Tod Thompson married in 1989 and enjoyed several years together, taking several trips and making fun memories with friends and family. They survived the 2011 tornado in the basement of their home, which they rebuilt.

In addition to her husband, Mary Kay is also survived by her brother, Randy Stanley of Joplin; children, Amber Suriani and husband Sammy of Manlius, NY, and Trey Smith and wife Michelle in Charlotte, NC; three stepchildren; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dog, Missy.

Preceding her in death were her parents and brother, Mickey Stanley and sister, Carroll Wood, and three special dogs: Bogus, Phoebe and Bruno.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the Joplin Humane Society.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.