Elliott, Mabel

Mabel (Lynn) Small Thomas Elliott of Florence and Duford, SC, died on March 21 in Arden, NC, following an extended illness. She was born July 20, 1921, to the late Herbert and Blanche Small of Nichols. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Chester Hay Thomas, a sister, Ruth Small Ham and a brother, Chalmer Small . Lynn graduated from Floyds High School, Nichols, attended Charleston Beauty College and served in the Women‘s Auxiliary Corp. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, she moved to Chicago, IL, where she met and married Chester Thomas. They made their home in Oak Park, IL, where she taught Sunday school and served on the deacon board at Judson Baptist church, cultivating numerous lifelong friendships. She was employed at Oak Park and River Forest High School where she kept a loving eye on her then teen-aged daughter. Lynn was an accomplished seamstress, hostess, gardener and an avid reader. In 1969, she and Chet moved to Clearwater, FL, where she worked for the Jack Eckerd Corporation until her retirement. She and Chet traveled extensively and were baptized in the Jordan River, had an audience with Pope John Paul II, and rode camels in the desert. They had a large network of friends through their membership at Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater. Advancing age precipitated a return to South Carolina in 1996, where they both enjoyed a renewed closeness with Lynn‘s sisters, brother-in-law and nieces and nephews. She is a member of Florence Baptist Temple, Florence. Following her husband‘s death in 2001, Lynn remained active and vibrant, eventually reconnecting with Forrest Elliott, a former Floyd‘s High School classmate. They were married, May 27, 2006, at the home of her nephew, Randall Small. Lynn is survived by her husband, Forrest Elliott of Duford, a daughter, Vicki and son-in-law, Wayne Annico of Arden, NC , her sister, Cecile Small Hoylen of Florence and many nieces and nephews. Lynn‘s family thanks the staff of The Oaks at Sweeten Creek, Arden, NC and Carepartners Hospice, Asheville, NC for their loving care during her illness. The funeral service will be held on March 24th at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Cain Funeral Home, Florence, SC, with the Rev. Bill Valentine officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Florence Memorial Gardens. Memorial gifts may be made to the Gideon‘s International or the National Parkinson Foundation. Cain Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.