From the San Francisco Chronicle, December 18, 1902, page 3:

Was Connected with History of Petaluma - Mrs. Mary E Thompson-White, Who Crossed the Plains by Ox Team, Dead

Petaluma, December 17, Mrs. Mary E Thompson-White died in this city last night after a residence here of over half a century. With her husband and family of small children she crossed the plains with ox teams arriving In Petaluma, August 1, 1852. Here her husband James D. Thompson embarked in business and acquired considerable property. Oak Hill Cemetery now being converted Into a city park was donated to the city by them.

Three years ago at the age of 76, Mrs. Thompson was married to C. F. White. With the husband the following children survive the deceased: M. Barnes Thompson of San Francisco, Mrs. Josephine Polk of Petaluma, Mrs. Mary K. Glbbs of San Francisco, and Mrs. Mattie Fairbrother of Los Angeles. Mrs. Thompson-White was born in Burke County, North Carolina, May 21, 1824. She was first married in 1844. She made the first flag that waved over Petaluma and organized the first Sunday-school In the old Baptist Church which her father built in 1854.

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Mrs. M. E. White Called to Rest
Mrs. Thompson White, one of the earliest of our local pioneer women, and one of the best known, passed away at her home on lower Main street Tuesday evening at 9:45. She was taken sick on Sunday and the following day felt better. On Tuesday came the change, resulting in death.
Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Polk her two children and her husband C. F. White were with her at the end. Mrs. Fairbrother the third daughter is in Texas and the funeral will not take place until her arrival, later in the week. Mrs. White was 78 years old of age last May and was a native of North Carolina.
Her death was due to a complication following acute indigestion which ailment was intensified by the age of the sufferer.
Mrs. Thompson White was in reality the founder of the local Baptist church and drove the first nail in its construction. Her father, Michael Barnes who worked on the building ran a nail in his foot and lockjaw setting in caused his death. She made the first American flag ever flung in the breeze at Petaluma and hoisted it on a pole near the Baptist church. She came here in 1852 and was one of the first white women to locate here. She was the last of the famous Barnes family consisting of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, including Dr. Barnes of Ukiah who recently passed away and the late "parson" Barnes. Dr. Barnes was a survivor of the Mohawk War.
Mrs. White organized the first Sunday school in Petaluma. Her first husband donated Oak Hill cemetery to the city and all were prominent in the early history of this place. Her first husband died many years ago and two years ago she married C. F. White who has been to her a faithful husband who did everything in his power to make her declining days pleasant. To a friend she recently stated that the past two years of her life were among the happiest she ever spent. Mr. White is greatly affected by his loss as are Mrs. White's children.
Mrs. White came across the plains with her parents and was through the Mormon War. She was a woman of courage and determination, with many noble traits and commanded the esteem and the respect of all who knew her.
In the addition to the husband and children, five grandsons, and two grand daughters, survive the pioneer woman. She leaves quite a valuable estate.
Later – the funeral will take place from the First Baptist Church, Friday morning at 10 o'clock. Rev. Gaston of Santa Rosa will officiate. Mrs. Fairbrother will be unable to come.
Petaluma Argus-Courier - 17 Dec 1902 - Page 4

Source note: Additional information from members Jimmy (#47114603) & jiggerbarnes (#50456634).