Sylvia Marlene Adkins Thames

She was born August 8th, 1954, in Lincoln County, West Virginia. Although she was the only child of Ella and Walter Atkins, she had eight half siblings. Among these siblings, she had close relationships with Katherine (Kay) Lynn of West Palm Beach, Florida, who preceded her in death, and Joseph Gibson (eighteen years her senior) of Altamonte Springs, Florida. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cynthia (Cindy) Gibson of Altamonte Springs, Florida, made daily contact with her. Cindy was much loved by Aunt Marlene.

The Bryant family-Gary, Gail, Elizabeth (Jimmy), Mark and Daeng were her friends and caretakers for eighteen plus years, living with them the last three years. Marlene loved this family through happy times and sad times. At the death of Gary in 2017, she became their “caretaker”. Marlene had a strong love for youth and children which was evident throughout her career as a teacher and assistant principle. At her death, she was still receiving many messages from students as far away as Mexico and Texas about what a positive influence she had had on their lives. Her greatest delight was in her "adopted" grandchildren: Zoey Paxton Bryant (age 10), Hunter Greyson Bryant (age 6), and Aniyah Andrea Bryant (age 3). They loved their Grammy who was never too busy to listen to their concerns, kiss a booboo, hit golf balls or just sit on the deck and watch them play.

Marlene enjoyed traveling, reading and writing. She worked as a newspaper editor and the love of the written word never left her. As her health declined, and she became less active, she wrote more. Writings that will be cherished by the Bryants. Because of her faith, she began a card ministry which she greatly enjoyed. She touched the lives of many sad and lonely people, and rejoiced when good things came to others.

Marlene loved a good party and she was usually at the center of it with her fun-loving ways and wonderful sense of humor. She loved being with her friends.

Marlene was most proud of her fifteen plus years in the US Air Force. To serve the country that she loved was a great honor for her. As a social studies teacher, she used her experiences in the military to teach life's lessons to many.

Marlene's support, love and friendship will be greatly missed by both family and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Paw Creek Presbyterian Church, 7400 Mount Holly Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM during a reception immediately following the service in the Christian Fellowship Center.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Paw Creek Presbyterian Church Children's Program, P.O. BOX 64, Paw Creek, NC 28130

Expressions of love and fond memories can be shared on Sylvia's guestbook at www.carothersfuneralhomestanley.com

Carothers Funeral Home of Stanley is compassionately serving the family of Sylvia Marlene Thames.