Thelma Ward Sidbury

She was born August 27, 1925, in Columbus County to the late Jesse James & Margaret Ann Watts Ward. After graduating high school, Thelma obtained a bachelor’s degree in Bookkeeping (Accounting). She moved to Wilmington, where she was a bookkeeper for Kresge’s Department Store & was later the Floor Manager for Western Auto. Thelma was also a longtime poll volunteer, assisting with multiple election seasons for the city of Wilmington.

Thelma married the love of her life, William Franklin “Bill” Sidbury Jr., on January 9, 1953. Together, they raised three sons – James William “Jimmy” Sidbury Sr, William Franklin “Franky” Sidbury III, & Anthony “Tony” Darryl Sidbury. She was a member of Sunset Park Baptist Church for over 50 years. Thelma loved fishing, clamming, & camping on the sound with her family. There was nothing she loved more than to have her family gathered near her & to see them happy. Thelma also loved her cats, especially Boots.

Greeting her as she entered heaven, in addition to her parents, were her husband, Bill, son, Franky, sisters, Idell Ward Wroten Busby & Delphia Ward Shelley, & brother, Willie Wilson Ward.

Thelma’s legacy continues with her sons, Jimmy Sidbury Sr, & wife Jean, and Tony Sidbury; daughter-in-law, Pamela Williams Sidbury; her grandchildren, William Howard “Billy” Sidbury, & wife Devan, James William “Jimmy” Sidbury Jr, & wife Polly, and Jo-El Brianna Sidbury; her great-grandchildren, Marleigh Addison Sidbury and William Michael Sidbury; her step-grandchildren, Haley Vann, Leslie Thornton, & husband Mike, and Stephen E. Williams, & wife Chris; and her step-great grandchildren, Chloe Williams, Thalia Williams, Kendall Williams, Gavin Thornton, & Sage Caroline Thornton. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, who she adored.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm, Monday, August 29, at Andrews Market Street Chapel with the Reverend Chris Wroten officiating.

The family will receive visitors one hour prior, beginning at 1pm.

Burial will follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.