Thelma was born on March 18, 1930 in Coolidge, Texas. Her parents were the late Otho and Jessie Echols Carroll. She attended Echols School for Elementary/Junior High and Dunbar High School. After her High School graduation in 1948, Thelma attended Samuel Houston College, currently Huston-Tillotson University, in Austin Texas. In 1952, she received her Bachelor of Science degree. Thelma then earned her Master of Education degree from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas in 1969. She received an EMR Certificate from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. Her dedication for education continued years later by studying advanced courses at the University of California, Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California. Thelma was a business woman with a passion for traveling that took her on many fascinating adventures.
After completing her education, Thelma taught school at the Ft. Worth Business School for several years. She then taught most of her teaching career in the Dallas Independent School District for 30+ years, eventually retiring from DISD.
At an early age, Thelma confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior at the Sandy Methodist Church. After moving to Dallas, Texas she became of member of Warren United Methodist Church where she served as President of the Weslyan Service Guild, member of the Senior Choir, member of the Women’s Choir, member of the Usher Board, Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School, President of the Ruby Jewel Circle, President of the Bethlehem Out Reach Ministry, Pastor Parrish Relation Committee Chairperson, Chairperson of Christian Education, volunteered at the church Day Care Nursery, and additionally wherever the church needed her.
Thelma held a life time membership in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Kappa Zeta Chapter, Order of Eastern Star Mary Lou Willis # 483, Board member and Treasurer of Northpark Community Development Center, City of Dallas Parks and Recreation K.B. Polk Senior Club, Classroom Teachers of Dallas, Y.W.C.A., and numerous other educational organizations.
Thelma volunteered with many organizations and supported many financially throughout her life.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Charles E. Cary of over 40 years. She leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, three sisters in law, one brother in law, family and friends.
