She was born on May 2, 1935 in Henderson County, TN to the late Erbie and Elsie Reeves Duke. She was a member of West Jackson Baptist Church. Thelma held a variety of jobs throughout her lifetime, but her most fulfilling job was that of homemaker to her family of five. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and playing card games and board games with them. She enjoyed God's creation through gardening and taking care of her flowers and plants.
She is survived by her three children: Stacey Montgomery, Tim Montgomery and his wife Ava, and Trudi Montgomery Presley and her husband Trent. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren who knew her as Nana or Nanny: Nathan, Sam and Noah Montgomery, Tyler and Paul Montgomery and Lauren, Cameron and Emma Presley.
Her siblings never called her Thelma, they always affectionately called her Sister. Her surviving brothers are Billy Duke and Bobby Duke (Betty) and her sisters are Peggy Davis and Diane Coleman (AJ).
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Montgomery in 2000. She was also proceeded in death by her brother Loyce Duke and her sister Charlene Alsip.
Thelma's family also wants to give heartfelt thanks and acknowledge Hal Burleson for being an extraordinary friend to her these last few years. She leaves many friends at The Meadows in Jackson and also a sweet and dedicated friend Dorothy Phaxter who went beyond the call of duty to help care for her.
Together Thelma and Charles were the two best parents their children could have possibly had. Selfless and hardworking, together they sacrificed to educate and provide a wonderful life for Stacey, Tim and Trudi. From their amazing and tireless effort, they were blessed with eight wonderful grandchildren who are inspired to carry on that legacy. Without any doubt, the most important gift they provided was modeling love and dedication to each other through good times and bad. For all her faithfulness, we know our mother rests in the arms of Jesus forevermore just as our father who proceeded her.
The family will receive friends and loved ones on Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons.
The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with Pastor Andy Neely of West Jackson Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to West Jackson Baptist Church or Birth Choice of Jackson.
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