Thelma Etta Wallace Green was born August 9, 1923 to the union of the late Horace and Mary Wallace, originally of Jellico, Kentucky. She was one of 12 children of this union, and the last surviving. At 3 years of age, the family moved to Tennessee, and at the age of 17, the family moved to Detroit.
Thelma attended Cass Tech and graduated from Pershing High School. She went on to graduate from Michigan State University where she trained to be a teacher. She taught in Detroit Public Schools for years. One of the many joys in her life was children. Teaching (and babysitting, which she did often) was a perfect opportunity for her to spread her joy and love to the next generation.
The greatest joy of all was found in having children of her own. Through her union in marriage to the late Nelson Green, three children were born. Her son, Robert N. Green dutifully and lovingly cared for his mother until the end. Daughter Marydeetta Lewis adoringly cared for her mother until her untimely passing (2019). Infant daughter Brenda Green (aged 5 months) lived in Thelma’s heart and memory for a lifetime.
Thelma was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on December 1, 1956. She served Jehovah faithfully until her last day. Through the organization, Thelma enjoyed traveling to the Watchtower Headquarters and Bethel (in New York) as well as various international conventions. As a member of the Downtown Detroit congregation for over 45 years, she grew in her faith and friendships with countless brothers and sisters within the organization, both locally and internationally.
Thelma’s time with friends and grandchildren was often enjoyed on adventures both near and far. No matter if it was a train trip to Ann Arbor, a family reunion in Tennessee, a show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, getting goofy at Disney World in Florida, beach vacations in the Bahamas, or the countless international journeys, memories were always in the making! When she wasn’t on the go, Thelma loved to bake and made the best chocolate rum cake you’ve ever tasted. She loved to cook and could make a feast out of anything.
Most importantly, Thelma tried her best to mimic Jehovah’s loyal love and she loved her children UNCONDITIONALLY. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all were her life and she poured herself into each, often feeding them with her much loved meals. She LOVED deeply.
Thelma leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory: her son, Robert N. Green (Ethelyn); her grandchildren: Natasha (Jeremy) Moore, Almarkel Keys, Jarrell Green, Donivan (Jamie) Lewis, Carmel Green, Reale Green; her great grandchildren: Sierra Lewis, Ashlie Moore, Mahogany Moore, Jeremy Moore, Jr., Ramerro Moore, Malik Green, Darian Lewis, Carmelo Cathey, Mekhi Green, Laila Stewart; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family, and so many dear friends.
