Thelma Delores Jones Bertrand

Thelma Delores Jones Bertrand passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at St. Anthony Community Center, Metairie, Louisiana at the age of 82 years. Thelma was born at Flint-Goodridge Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 18, 1942. She was the third born of five children of Earsly Mae Garig Jones and Morris Jones.

Thelma received her early childhood education at Fisk Elementary School, followed by McDonough 30 Junior High School. She went on to attend McDonough No. 35 Senior High School, where she graduated as the valedictorian of her class in 1960. She continued her education, enrolling at Dillard University and graduating as salutatorian in 1964.

Thelma received her Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Educational Studies. After college she went to work for the California School System before returning to New Orleans to work for Orleans Parish Public Schools. She taught many children at several schools in New Orleans including McMain High School and Gaudet Elementary where she retired after 35 plus years of dedicated service.

Known for her unwavering faith, joyful spirit, and deep love for her family, she leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and grace. She lived her life guided by love, prayer, and compassion. Her spiritual strength was the cornerstone of her character, shining through in every challenge she faced.

She was a passionate sports fan, proudly cheering on her beloved New Orleans Saints and Pelicans season after season. An avid golfer, she found pleasure and joy in the game, she also enjoyed gardening and especially loved yellow roses.

More than anything, Thelma cherished her family. Her love for them was strong and unconditional. Her warmth, laughter, and wisdom will be deeply missed.

Thelma Delores was the beloved daughter of the late Morris Jones. and Earsly Mae Garig Jones. Loving sister of the late Muriel J. Williams (the late Robert Sr.), Sandra J. Larvardain (the late Norman) and Elaine J. White (the late Toby) and the late Morris Jones, Jr (Gillian).

She was preceded in death by sister-in-law the late Winnie Winifred, brother-in-law the late Kenneth Bertrand, and nephew Anthony Atiim Jones.

Thelma is survived by her former husband and close friend Anthony Joseph Bertrand, her nephew and adopted son Michael G. Schmidt; Stepdaughter Nicole Bertrand Robb; Godson DeMarco T. Campbell; Sisters-in-Law Gillian Knowles-Jones (Morris), Ann Patrice Bertrand, Laverne Bertrand Williams, Cheryle Bertrand Rivera; and Brother-in-law Gaynel M. Bertrand.

She is also survived by and is affectionately known as Aunt Thelma to her numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Cousins include Tizona Watts (Darrell), Olivia Chase, Nona Ocloo, Diane Baker, Taalib, Lisa and Aliyah El Amin, Althea, Deborah Holt, Kim Cross, Kezia Lasha, Ruby Simon, John Louis, and Stacy Louis (Lance) Morris, Ruby Simon, Whittona Jones, Karl Stockman, Marion, Victor and Yvonne Shine, Joan Carey, DeMarco Campbell, Dashan Rogers; nieces and nephews Robert Williams Jr., Kevin (Germaine) and Anyelle Williams, Kemba White Dupree (Camara), Norma and Earsly Larvardain, Tyrone White, G. Maris and Giani M. Jones, Joshua (Nicole), Darrell Jr.(Melanie) and Brandon (Analeshia) Watts, and Sonya Sonia; Great nieces and nephews Mykel (Ryan), Angel, Royce, Cameron, Cameron Jr., Anthony, Camara Jr. “CJ”, Imari, Zain, Ronniesha, TreNae, Esmarelda, Januel, Yasiela, Jaxon, Wesley, Abra, David, Mya and Malik. She is also survived by a host of relatives and friends of the Garig, Jones, Augustine, Louis and Morris families in Louisiana, Texas, California, Michigan and Illinois.

Family, relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 5276 Bullard Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70127 on Thursday July 24, 2025 at 10:00am. She will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery, New Orleans, LA at a later date.