Betty Jo Thomason

Betty Jo Malugin Thomason, aged 77, a longtime resident of Columbia, passed away on March 15, 2024, at Maury Regional Hospital. Mrs. Thomason is survived by her husband, James (Andy) Thomason. She was the daughter of the late James C. and Elizabeth Hines Malugin.

Betty was born and raised in the Santa Fe Community and graduated from Santa Fe School in 1964, where she proudly served as a cheerleader. She began her career before graduation, working for her aunt as a waitress. Subsequently, she held various positions, including writing a cooking column for the Daily Herald called "Kitchen Wisdom." Many still use recipes from that column today, testament to Betty's culinary skills. She was renowned for her cooking prowess, turning even a simple plate of cheese and crackers into a gourmet delight. Her family often requested her potato salad and pecan pie at gatherings.

In addition to her husband Andy, Betty is survived by her sisters, Martha (Rodger) Pilkinton and Donna (Larry) Tarkington, along with nieces and nephews: Kevin (Thea) Scott, Candi (Rodney) Adams, April Bobb, and Nathan Tarkington. Great-nieces and nephews include Morgan Scott, Colby Adams, Summer Scott, Ethan Bobb, Kaysie Meadows, and Alex Meadows. She is also survived by her special friend, Jackson Spires.

Betty was preceded in death by her sons, Jimmy Thomason and Phillip Thomason, as well as her sisters Elizabeth Gail Malugin, Naomi Humphrey, and brother-in-law Kenneth Scott.

Services for Betty will be Monday, March 18, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. visitation two hours before the service. Brother James Lunsford will officiate, and she will be laid to rest at Polk Memorial Gardens beside her sons. Pallbearers will include Kevin Scott, Rodney Adams, Nathan Tarkington, Colby Adams, Ethan Bobb, and Alex Meadows. Honorary pallbearers will include Reddick and Debbie Scott, Calvin and Addie Scott, Dick and Neda Brickner, Randy and Salene Walters, Kenneth and Pam Bates, Martha Hay, Jackie Spires, and Jackson Spires.

Memorials can be sent to Fly Nazarene Church. The family expresses gratitude for the prayers, phone calls, and visits during this time. Betty will be greatly missed.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family online at www.williamsfh.com