Thelma Williams

Thelma Inez Hamilton Williams was born on February 22, 1929 to Mary and Jesse Hamilton Sr. She is the first of four children. Thelma was born at Cooper Hospital, Camden, New Jersey. She lived in East Camden for most of her young life attending an elementary school called “Catto.” Thelma moved from East Camden about the age of 12 with her family to a part of Camden called “Centerville.” She graduated from Hatch Middle School and Camden High School nicknamed the “Castle on the Hill.” Latter part of Thelma’s life she resided at Heartsfield Assistant Living At Bowie, Bowie, Maryland until her passing on April 11, 2020. She was in the glee club and other school activities. Music was always a big part of Thelma’s family. As an Adult, Thelma and her siblings sang as a Quartet throughout the City of Camden churches. She was gifted by ear to play the piano.

Thelma graduated from Glassboro State Teacher’s College, Glassboro, New Jersey earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Thelma taught students at the Lincoln School in Camden, New Jersey for many years. Eventually Thelma moved to Washington, DC teaching at the Kenilworth Elementary School until retirement. During her years of teaching elementary school students, Thelma in 1977 was awarded her Master of Art Education degree from Trinity College in Washington, DC. Thelma was an excellent teacher who used her music (piano) and art training skills to motivate and put students first in goal achievement.

Thelma joined Friendship AOH Church of God (former name), Capitol Heights Boulevard, Capitol Heights, Maryland on May 21, 1978 under the leadership of the late Doctor Bishop H.M. Johnson, Jr .Thelma was baptized on June 15, 1978 and was filled with the Precious Gift of the Holy Ghost on January 16, 1979. The church moved to Deanwood Drive, and Thelma came along with the Saints. In 1999 a brand new church was built under Bishop Johnson and some years later the name was changed to Apostolic Church of God, Inc., Hyattsville, Maryland under the leadership of Pastor Elder Samuel K. Scudder, Jr. Thelma loved JESUS! Her life exhibited her love for JESUS and the Saints of her church. Thelma served as Secretary, Missionary President, and Mothers board. Thelma was eventually elevated to becoming an Elder and served on the Ministerial Board. Thelma played the piano for her church for 40 years. Thelma’s Faithfulness to Jesus surely made her a Pilar of her church!

Thelma had special moments that she enjoyed throughout her life such as: Noonday prayer, being around the Saints, witnessing to others about Jesus, teaching, traveling, drawing pictures, thrift store shopping, visiting her dear sister “Connie”, and brothers Jesse & Paul, having her nieces and nephews stay with her on many occasions especially summer times, and playing the piano for residents at Heartfields.

Thelma’s beautiful personality and endearing smile is gone but will never be forgotten!

Thelma leaves to hold onto her beautiful memories in their hearts a sister Cornelia (Connie) Wiggins, a brother Jesse (Buddy) Hamilton Jr, Thelma was preceded in death by a brother Paul Hamilton Sr. many nieces, and nephews, cousins, a special cousin Celeste Garcia, a dear friend Elder Willie O. Scudder, church family and friends.

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his.”

Roman 8:9