Elma E. Thomas Caldwell

On Friday, July 1, 2021, Elma E. Thomas Caldwell, transitioned from this life to life eternally, at the age of 85. Elma was born January 23, 1936 in Burke County, NC to the late Rev. Mack Thomas and Ola M. Owens Thomas Fleming.

Elma was married to Ernest W. Caldwell and to that union five children where born; Linda, Ernest, Warren, Ronald, And Gwenda.

Elma spent the most of her adult life in Los Angeles California where she was a member of Greater Rock of Ages Baptist Church. She was employed by General Department Store for a number of years and Co-Owner of a Commercial and Residential Janitorial Company. She loved fishing and raised two generations of grandchildren. After moving to Newberry, SC with her son Warren, she enjoyed the quiet peaceful country life. She attended Lever Chapel AME Church. When her health began to declined she was cared for by her dedicated daughter of the home, Gwenda, until she passed June 14, 2021.

Along with her parents Rev. Mack Thomas and Ola M. Thomas, Elma was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Caldwell, two daughters; Linda D Caldwell Wilkins, Gwenda M. Caldwell Vaughn, sister; Joyce Wilkerson, brother; Warren G. Thomas, five siblings from fathers first marriage, Verona Thomas, Leroy Thomas, Zelma Thomas Pearson, Velma Thomas Fleming, Coy Thomas, and a granddaughter she raised Shonna Caldwell.

She leaves to cherish loving memories, her three sons; Ernest E. Caldwell (Sandra) of Bellflower, Calif.; Warren S. Caldwell (Debra) of Newberry SC., Ronald L. Caldwell Owens (Gwendolyn) of Annapolis, MD., great grandson she raised JayShawn Jenkins of Los Angeles, Calif., sister; Vivian Wilkerson of Victorville, Calif., brother-in-laws; William "Bill" Caldwell, and Bruce Ervin both of Morganton, three sister-in-laws; Angelee Connelly (Ted), Mary Caldwell, Jana Caldwell all of Morganton, surviving also is a host of grandchildren, great grands, great grands, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A public viewing will be held Friday, July, 9, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the FB Pratt & Son Funeral home 601 South St. Newberry SC.

A viewing and celebration of life graveside service will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the Morning Star Baptist Church of Morganton.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton is honored to be assisting the Owens-Thomas Caldwell Family.