Thelma Rebecca Bradshaw-Williams, born in Brooklyn, New York on March 27th, 1935.
On Friday, December 13th, 2019, Thelma R. Bradshaw-Williams completed her life’s purpose as a faithful child of God in all her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was very strong in her Christian beliefs. Thelma’s journey began on March 27th, 1935. She was the second of four children born to the late Cyril and Irene Bradshaw. Two of her siblings, Rudolph and Bernard preceded her in death.
Thelma graduated from Public School 44, Jr. High School 35, and received a Commercial Diploma from Eastern District High School. She also attended Brooklyn College and other city universities.
Thelma married her childhood sweetheart, Gilbert Williams on April 27th, 1957. They became the proud parents of Darryl Wayne Williams and David Wendell Williams. She guided them through life’s challenges and reveled in their accomplishments.
Thelma was employed at Bell Laboratories for many years. She also worked at the State Division of Housing and retired from the New York City Board of Education after serving for over 40 years.
Thelma accepted Christ at an early age. She was an active member for over 50 years at St. Leonard’s Church in Brooklyn and sang in the choir. On June 24th, 1994 Thelma joined the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York, where she sang in the Chorale.
In 2001, Thelma migrated to Riverdale, Georgia. Soon after, she became a member of “Spread The Word Church Ministries” in College Park. She later joined “Light of Joy” where she was active in the children’s ministry.
Thelma was very creative and gifted. She had the ability to design card’s for every occasion which were treasured by everyone. She also taught Art’s and Craft’s at the Lovejoy Community Center. In addition, she was known as the “Official Joke Master” at the monthly Senior Breakfast. She was also gifted with a beautiful soprano voice and was also an accomplished pianist. Praises were lifted up for her many talents.
Our Thelma was known for her absolute direct approach. There was no misunderstanding of what was spoken. In Thelma’s own written words, “Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that’s the way I’ll remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don’t remember me at all. I was born of the flesh in 1935, I was born of the Spirit in 1986. I, that which is born of the Spirit shall live forever.” Thelma was a person with extraordinary social skills and was an asset to any and all family gatherings.
Thelma leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, Darryl and David Williams, and their wives, Debbie and Wendy Williams, her sister Eleanor Stuart, her grandchildren Jovonne, Darryl, Diandra, Darryl Jr, Darletha, Jordan, Autumn, and great grandchildren J’Shon, Jayla, Jemarion, Grayson, and Josiah. Her nephew Stephen Bradshaw, her sister in law Edna Bradshaw, her niece Donna Maddicks.Her many cousins, church members, friends at the Lovejoy Community Center, and neighbors Johnnie-Mae and Jerome Samuels, Thomas and Louis Pennington, and George Belgrove, Sr.
Thelma we love you. We will never forget you. Your memory and legacy will be in our hearts and mind forever. Now it’s time for you to rest and rejoice in the arms of the Holy Spirit.
Lovingly submitted by the family.
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