Thelma Helms Whitley's Obituary
Thelma Lucille Helms Whitley, age 94, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 28, 2016 in Clarksville, TN. Born on August 22, 1921 in Palmerville, NC, she was the beloved daughter of Thomas Rufus Helms and Effie Ree Russell Helms. Thelma lived all her life in Albemarle before moving to Clarksville to reside with her daughter and son-in-law due to declining health.?Thelma attended Wiscassett School through tenth grade. The day after she turned 16 she had to quit school to go to work at Wiscassett Mills to help support her family. She always said she loved school and cried when she had to quit.?Thelma worked at Wiscassett Mills for 58 years from 1937 until retiring in 1995 at age 74. She also worked a second job at Jay's Seafood Restaurant from 1970 until 1999 where she made friends with many customers and their families.
She was a member of First Street United Methodist Church where she was an active member until her health declined.? She also was a former volunteer for Meals on Wheels. ?Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Reid James Whitley, a precious daughter Linda W. Pressley and son-in-law Robert Pressley, as well as four brothers: ?Harmon Rudolph Helms, Bleachman Edgar Helms, Thomas R. ?Bill? Helms Jr., Reid Brantley Helms; and three sisters:? Sula Helms Starnes,?Josie Helms Bowers, and Ethel Helms Mabry.
She is survived by her son, Thomas R. Whitley of Albemarle, daughter Myra W. Lucas and husband Jerry of Clarksville, TN; six grandchildren: ?Kim Caldwell and husband Craig of Clarksville, TN,?Debbie Davis and husband Joe of Pensacola, FL, Natalie Lucas of Clarksville, TN, Kelly Whitaker and husband Frank of Clarksville, TN, Greg Whitley of Fayetteville, NC, and Elizabeth Whitley of Albemarle, NC;? sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Thelma loved people and had a genuine servant heart.? She had a loving influence on her family and ?was a great example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Her family and friends will miss her greatly.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday August 2, 2016 at First Street United Methodist Church in Albemarle, followed by a funeral service at 1:00. ?Burial will be in Stanly Gardens of Memory following the service.
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