Thelma M Hartley

Thelma Marie Watson came into this world with her twin sister on September 19, 1937. She was born to the late Earl and Mamie Seal Watson in Natchez, MS. Her parents moved to Greenville, Mississippi, she professed Christ at a young age and attended New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, MS. She resided there through her adult life. She was an active member of Coleman High Alumni Club and often referred to Greenville as home but one day she stepped out on faith and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee for a better life for her children and herself.

Shortly afterwards, her late husband (Willie Hartley) was smitten with her and followed her to Memphis, they were married and he became the proud Father of her children. He spoiled, cherished, and loved her unconditionally and so did she, He! After settling down they visited Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church (CSMBC) and joined under the leadership of the Late Reverend, Eugene Waller. They both remained faithful servants until their health declined.

Thelma was a trail blazer. She worked hard to help provide for her family. One day after a job lay-off, she decided to put up handwritten notices for childcare services (in her home) within the neighborhood. A spark was ignited, her business flourished, and she became a black female entrepreneur. They became homeowners and moved to a new community (Morning View Area). She had to rebuild her business, this time taking out ads in the community newspaper and because of her legendary service, she provided childcare for 2nd and 3rd generation children. She reassured Mothers/Dads that their child was in good hands, helping them to build a solid foundation and was a positive influence for over 200+ children. She became a parent’s relationship counselor, marriage counselor and/or spiritual counselor (she won numerous awards for CSMBC Family & Friends Day) where often her parents would join the church. Often when Mrs. Hartley was spotted in public the child now an adult would stop her and say, “do you remember me?” and begin to give her an update on his/her life and showing her photos of his/her family. After retiring her youngest daughter picked up the torch and with her initial guidance, she successfully elevated the business legacy to the next level. Thelma shared her knowledge and advised other women in the industry on how to become successful.

Thelma enjoyed traveling. After retiring she decided to start a travel club for Seniors Only! The club’s official name was Seniors on the GO (S.O.G.) the club remained active for over 25+ years. They traveled by land, air and sea from one end of the country to the other (East, West, North, South) including Alaska, Canda, Hawaii and Caribbean Islands. THE S.O.G. elaborate trips were all-inclusive annually (7–12-day tours). They visited famous tourist attractions and unknown locations but forever memorable. They would always return renewed, happy, joyful, and invigorated with stories to share about their great experiences and ready for their next exploration.

Thelma was a faithful member of CSMBC Missionary Society. Her work was recognized June 16, 2018, when she was honored with the Aurelia Waller Virtuous Woman Award highest honor bestowed upon a member of the CSMBC Missionary Society for her leadership, perseverance, resilience, and work in the community. She felt that she still had work to do within the church and community. Under the leadership of Pastor, Gary Faulkner she recognized senior citizens were under served and shared her vision with him. She was told to submit an Action Plan for the Senior Ministry. She adhered to his request and Pastor Faulkner’s approval was granted and the Senior Ministry was formed. The ministry’s main purpose was to advocate for senior citizens. The ministry grew rapidly, she along with her co-chair Louise Barksdale better known as Thelma & Louise (the dynamic duo) worked tirelessly to reach out to community stakeholders, other church seniors, and senior citizen agencies to help educate/inform seniors of their rights, entitlements and get assistance for (medical, financial & legal) services to live a healthier life. She never wanted a senior to be forgotten. She had recruited volunteers to reach out to them via greeting cards, phone calls, visits, and/or holiday gifts. There were various activities to appeal to a senior i.e. exercise classes, arts & crafts, mail outs, phone calls, local day trips but most importantly the Grand Senior Day that was held on a 5th Sunday of each year for Seasoned Saints.

Thelma loved entertaining friends and family. Her favorite was preparing Christmas breakfasts and New Year’s Day dinners (she made everyone invited feel special). Her favorite pastime was watching the Dallas Cowboys. She was a super fan in her later years. She loved shopping; clothes were specialty, she was always immaculately dressed for every season, occasion and holiday.

She loved Tyler Perry Sitcoms, Lifetime Movies, Let’s Make a Deal, KFC chicken wings, Sonic strawberry slush and plenty of sweets especially Kit Kats, Tootsie Rolls and Cokes.

Thelma Marie Hartley lived a very full life! Making sacrifices and working hard for her husband, children, and family. She was a Christian soldier working in God’s vineyard and touching the lives of both the young and old. Job Well Done! Servant Come In and Take Your Tour of Heaven!

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willie Hartley; son, Ronald Watson Sr.; twin sister, Wilma Bonds and grandson, Thaddues Watson.

She leaves a legacy of love and memories: (1) son, Kelvin Watson of Milan, Philippines; (2) daughters, Jacqueline (Ervin) Smith Sr., Mellony (Robert) Blakley both of Memphis, TN; (1) daughter-in -law, Minister Gloria Watson of Oakland, TN; (9) grandchildren, Tameake Elliott, Marcus (Raven) Brittenum, Ron Watson, Jr., Shereka Watson, Tarrence Brown, Jasmine Blakley all of Memphis, TN; Jocelyn Watson of Nashville, TN, Ervin Smith, Jr of Washington, D.C.; Coutney (Jonathan) Holloway, Dallas, TX; (13) great- grandkids, a special niece, Debra Hartley of Greenville, MS; a devoted cousin, Sylvia P. Wiley of Memphis, TN; childhood friend, Marie McCallum of San-Franciso, CA; her very close friend/sister, Doris (Fred) Johnson of Memphis, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation for Thelma will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122. A visitation will occur Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church, 8800 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38116. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church, 8800 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38125. A reception will occur Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A committal service will occur Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FamilyFuneralMemphis.com for the Hartley family.