Thelma Smith Arrington

Thelma was lovingly referred to as “Puggie” by her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Georgia Eubank Smith and Joseph Freeman Smith; her husband, James Theodore Arrington; and her sisters, Gloria Lillian White and Georgia Smith Rogers. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Wood Thuston (Bobby); her son, James Freeman Arrington (Elise); grandchildren, Rushton Elizabeth Feagin (Spencer), Chase Freeman Arrington (Keely), and Christina Elise Arrington; and great-grandchildren, Harley Reese Arrington and Levi James Whalen; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Thelma grew up in the historic Southside area of Birmingham and graduated from Ramsay High School in 1958. She was a longtime member of Southside Baptist Church, where she met her husband, married, and raised her family. She taught youth Sunday school, led Bible study, and was a member of Women’s Missionary Union. She served as president of WMU during that time and loved this organization all of her life to this day.

Thelma's faith, family, and friends were so important throughout her lifetime. She was devoted to her church, and as she transitioned to First Baptist Church of Birmingham, she continued to be involved in their ministries to this day. She loved many groups of friends from church and met with “The Lunch Bunch” once a month for gathering. She kept up with her friends from Ramsay by gathering once a quarter for lunch and special fellowship with “The Ramsay Girls” for special fellowship with old friends.

Among other things, Thelma was proud of her time in an international sorority, Beta Sigma Phi for young women. She was a member for many years, participated in meetings and socials, and served as president for the sorority. She was honored with the “Order of the Rose” in fulfillment in life and ideals of Beta Sigma Phi International.

Thelma spent her professional career in the banking industry. She started her first job with Exchange Security Bank in bookkeeping and was promoted to the loan department. During this time, she attended the University of Alabama Birmingham and completed requirements and received certificates from the American Institute of Banking, The Institute of Financial Education, and the U.S. Savings and Loans League. During her career, she worked for The Peoples Bank and Trust in Montgomery, First Alabama Bank in Birmingham, Travelers Insurance as Manager of Mass Marketing, and was hired by City Federal Savings and Loans as Regional Loan Officer. Later at City Federal, she was promoted to vice president of installment loan manager.

Thelma continued her career with Regions Bank as an officer and assistant vice president branch sales manager. She helped build the business at the Forestdale branch by joining the Chamber of Commerce and was the first female elected president of the 78 West Chamber of Commerce in 1993. She continued to help build the business by opening new accounts, making business loans, and selling annuities. Her branch was recognized and won the Chairmans Club Award.

Thelma retired from Regions Bank in 2007. She always enjoyed helping others with their needs in all aspects of her career. She always worked hard in the organizations she enjoyed, including whatever capacity she participated in at work, church, and social events.

Doing her best in every way, Thelma set a fine example for her children and grandchildren. She would say that this was the way she was raised and the way she raised her family. She was blessed over and over again.

Thelma was a woman of strong faith and integrity. She loved her family dearly and was a devoted friend. Her warmth, love, and compassion will truly will be missed by all.

Services will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Birmingham on Lakeshore Drive. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., followed by A Celebration of Thelma's Life at 11 a.m. A private burial service for the family will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama.