Thelma Thompson

Thelma Lee Kinlaw Thompson, 87, of Bladenboro went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 28, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wade Hampton Thompson, her parents Gurthie Kinlaw and Alma Pait Kinlaw, two infant siblings, three sisters: Juanita Carroll, Leah Kinlaw, and Maggie Kinlaw and five brothers: MJ Kinlaw, Wilford Kinlaw, Alvin Kinlaw, Theodore Kinlaw, and James McCrae Kinlaw. Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Ginger Thompson and Janet Thompson Dowless (Donald), all of Bladenboro, one sister, Joyce Bryan (Carlton) of Broadway, NC, one granddaughter Michelle Dowless Pait (Kevin) of Fayetteville and two great grandsons Nathan and Nolan Pait of Fayetteville.

Thelma was affectionately  known as “Thelma Lee” to those close to her, as “Grandma Thelma” to her only grandchild, and “Granny” to her two great-grandsons.  One of the most defining and evident characteristics of Thelma Lee was her strong, charismatic, and spirited personality.  Her inner strength, determination, and independent-mindedness were evident to all. The following words were used by a family member to describe her.  “She was a spunky lady with grit who always looked after her girls,” and “I loved her frank honesty.”  Thelma was never intimidated nor inhibited when the time came to display her intense passion and loyalty for those she loved the most.

Thelma was an avid reader and enjoyed going to yard sales to find good books and other collectible items. She was a hard worker and was never afraid to take on a difficult task.  She loved yard work and keeping her house and grounds clean and neat.  It was not surprising to see her operating a lawn mower, using a paintbrush, or swinging a hammer.  She enjoyed music and taking trips to the North Carolina mountains.  Her granddaughter remembers the many visits to Maggie’s Valley where Thelma and her late husband Wade would enjoy the scenery and dancing at the “Stomping Grounds.”

For Thelma, family was most important.  She loved taking care of her granddaughter Michelle. She also loved her two great-grandsons who would always evoke the most genuine of Thelma’s laughs and smiles.  She remained very close to her daughters who faithfully loved and cared for her during her final years when she could no longer take care of herself.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 6 pm in the New Pait Cemetery in Bladenboro.

The family would like to sincerely thank the Lower Cape Fear Hospice organization for their expertise, professionalism, compassion, kindness, and tenderness in caring for our mother and grandmother.