Thelma Lee Williams was born on January 28, 1929, in Swensen, Texas. The second oldest daughter of Emanuel and Bessie Stephens, Thelma excelled at baking, hair styling, singing, along with mad pig Latin skills. A domino player extraordinaire, Thelma also enjoyed bingo, gin rummy, and the dog and horse races.
Thelma was married to the love of her life, Raymond Williams, for 62 years, and they raised five children and several nephews and nieces. The Williams’ house was the hub of the Albina neighborhood, with loved ones and friends gracing their doorstep regularly. Amid all the household bustle, their nieces and nephews were often reluctant to leave. A favorite family memory was when David Stephens, the son of her sister Mary Lee, had spent several nights at the Williams’ and was supposed to go home and check on his mom. To Thelma’s surprise, she found David was still there, hiding in her son’s room. Eyes wide opened, David said, “Roy said I could stay!” Thelma replied, “David, you know Roy doesn’t pay the bills here!”
Known for her generosity and giving nature, Thelma was quick to offer a warm meal to visitors. She was also sought out for her wisdom and was a trusted confidant willing to lend a hearing ear. She was very close to her three sisters (Minnie, Mary Lee and, Ruby), often talking to them several times a day about their children and their favorite stories/soap operas. Her older brother Bill was her best friend, and she fondly referred to him as baldie.
Thelma went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at 6:30 pm. Lynda, her daughter, was at her bedside until the end, comforting her mother as she passed from earth to be greeted by her loving family waiting for her in heaven. Thelma is survived by her only living sibling Mary Lee, her oldest daughter Shirley, oldest son Roy, youngest children Lynda and Darrell, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
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