Obituary

Marguerite Irene Thomas Lipani 

September 12, 1936 – May 14, 2026

Marguerite Irene Thomas Lipani was born and raised in Tylertown, Mississippi, daughter of Frank Johnson and Louise (Graves) Thomas. After graduation from New Zion High School in 1954, she was accepted at the Touro School of Nursing in New Orleans where she graduated as a Registered Nurse and began work shortly after graduation as a Head Nurse and Supervisor at Touro. In 1976, Marguerite moved back to Franklinton from Seattle, Washington where she raised her two children, spent time with family and friends and became a fixture in the Franklinton community. She began working at Riverside Medical Center as an ER nurse, later hospice and home health and finally settling in for a long career at the Washington Parish Health Unit in 1980 where she was a public health nurse until her retirement in 2005. She helped so many in the community, known to all as Miss Marguerite or Miss Lipani and was honored as one of the “100 Greatest Nurses.” After retirement she was a Katrina volunteer, a Mardi Gras Red Cross volunteer and a Red Cross volunteer at the Washington Parish Free Fair and even served as a school health nurse in Pine and Mount Hermon.

Marguerite was a lifelong member of Clifton Baptist Church, serving on Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) and singing in the choir and was active in several women’s groups such as Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority for 50+ years, Shasta Club, and a representative of the Home and Garden Club nominating local area businesses for “Business of the Month.” She even served as a docent, volunteer and donor at the DA Varnado Museum in Franklinton. But her greatest achievement was her lifelong service with the Mile Branch Settlement, heading up the annual quilt raffle to support the historic preservation of the Settlement for all to enjoy on the grounds of the Washington Parish Free Fair and Pioneer Christmas each year.

Marguerite is survived by her only living brother Sherman L. Thomas (wife Yvonne; nephew Christopher [wife Stephanie, great-nephews Graham, Lincoln]), son John Vincent Lipani (wife Jennie; grandchildren John Atticus Lipani, Hayden, Courtland, Bailey Helton), daughter Antoinette Lipani Solnik (grandchildren, Jasper and Evan Solnik) and was sister to Franklin W. Thomas (wife Linda, nephew Tony) all now deceased.

She was loved by many and will not be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Capps Funeral Home - 270 Old HWY 98 East, Tylertown, Mississippi 39667 (601) 876-3373. Visitation and public viewing from 1000a-1100a, Funeral service from 11a-12 noon followed by burial at Tylertown Cemetery. All are welcome.