Celia Rose Thomas “The Rose”, age 75, of Columbus Ohio, passed on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Scioto Community Nursing Home after extended health issues.  She was born on April 8, 1945 in Port Gibson, Mississippi to the late Homer Sr. and Mary Emma (Upton) McDuffie.  Celia moved to Marion as a child where she attended Marion City Schools and graduated from Harding High School in 1963.

Celia was a strong willed, independent and hard workingwoman who always provided support to her family. She excelled and received many awards and accolades as a Contracting Officer for the Department of Defense in Columbus, Ohio. She retired with over 30 years of Government Service. Her compassionate heart for children was displayed by her opening her home for many years to foster children who were in the Central Ohio Foster Care System and family members. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing Bingo and spending time at Holiday Lanes Bowling Alley and traveling with her bowling teams and friends.

Her family was her pride and joy. Loving on and spending time with them was a must. She is remembered by all family members for her infamous “Kisses On The Neck”. She enjoyed the huge Spiller, Upton, McDuffie (SUM) Family reunions where she dominated at Any Bid Whist Table.

Celia will be missed by her children, Trina (Todd) Graham, Jaevon Antonino Thomas, and Jamiah Ann Marie Thomas all of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren, Wandy B. Ford, Celia D. Graham, Jalynn Rose Graham, and Javon J. Graham, great-grandchildren, Christianna Rose Thorton, Zaharra J. Graham, Amarra Marie Graham; siblings, Homer McDuffie Jr.(Columbus, Ohio), Rocky McDuffie (Marion, Ohio), Mark (Andrea) McDuffie Sr. (Marion, Ohio), Cynthia Berry (Woodbridge, VA), Tara Dyer (Marion, Ohio) and Lisa (Marshall) Cowan (Columbus, Ohio).  She leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces and nephews, as well as her only Aunt Cherree Thomas, and loving friendships that were established over the years.

In addition to her parents, Celia was preceded in death by her son Todd Alex Upton, great-granddaughter Mya Louise, and siblings, David McDuffie Sr., Ricky McDuffie, Minnie Range, Gloria McDuffie, Mary McDuffie and Nicole McDuffie

Visitation will be held at Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder/Hall Chapel on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 10 am until 12 noon followed by a Home Going Service, at the funeral home, Officiated by Pastor Jackie Peterson (LOGOS Christian Ministries).  Burial will follow in Chapel Heights Memory Gardens.

Donations may be made in Celia’s honor to Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion.

Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder/Hall Chapel is honored to serve the family of Celia Thomas.  Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.

https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituary/celia-rose-thomas/