Thelma H. Fletcher's Obituary
Thelma Henry Fletcher
Thelma was born in Cullman, Alabama to John Duke and Della Mae Henry. She was the 5th child born and had 8 siblings: Wynell, Howard, Virgil, Rewdolph, Hugh, Herbert, Kenny and Joy. She was predeceased by all siblings except Joy. She was also predeceased by her daughter-in-law Janet. She is survived by sister Joy Blackwood of Cullman, Alabama; son Johnny Fletcher of Lutz; daughter Jackie Fletcher of Tampa, grandchildren Jennifer Lusk (Jay) of St. Augustine; Johnny Fletcher (Jen) of Land O’Lakes; and Julie Coe (Matt) of Winter Haven; great grandchildren Jackson, Jason, Jillian, Jeffrey, Jacob, Josslyn, Jack and Josh.
During WWII Thelma moved to Nashville to work in a factory where she met service-man Clarence Fletcher whom she married October 20, 1945. She had a son, Johnny, while living in Nashville and they moved to Miami, Florida when he was only a few months old. They experienced their first hurricane right after their move, but his employer invited them to their home during the storm to help with the baby. They had a daughter, Jackie, while living in Miami.
They transferred to and lived in Boynton Beach for five years and then to Temple Terrace in 1963. While working in Boynton Thelma worked for Bethesda Memorial Hospital. When they moved to Temple Terrace, she worked for Tampa General Hospital where she was an admitting counselor. She enjoyed working at the hospital and completed 38 years of service before retiring.
After the family moved to Temple Terrace, they first became members of the North Street church of Christ, transferred to North Blvd church of Christ and in 1989 became members at university church of Christ. She loved her church family and missed them a great deal when she became unable to attend services due to mobility problems.
Thelma’s greatest love and devotion was for her family. Every Sunday night she would prepare a full course meal for everyone. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments. Aside from providing guidance and care for her family she loved all sports, especially baseball. She never missed a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game on television and could answer almost any question about past players and teams. She was also a ‘walker’ at University Square Mall and missed walking with her friends after she broke her hip.
When asked for a word that would describe mom the most common answer was “sweet”. She was always smiling and repeatedly saw the good in situations. The family would like to express gratitude to Concierge Care for home health care and Life Path Hospice and Melech House in Temple Terrace for help with her care the past year. Special thanks to Gayle, Kiki, Miche, Stacey and Mary. Also, thanks to our church family at university church of Christ who provided food, flowers and encouragement.
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