Thelma Lemon - Obituary

BITUARY I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:7 Thelma Lillian Lemon was born in Jamaica, New York on June 21, 1939 to the late Thomas and Dorothy Stansbury. She departed this life on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Thelma had five sisters and a brother, two sons, Ronald and Troy whom she referred to as, “a true blessing and the joy of her life” and six “wonderful” grandchildren. She was married to the late Charles Lemon whom she lovingly referred to as, “the wing beneath her wings.” Thelma's elementary education was in Jamaica, New York followed by attendance at Central Commercial High School. Following high school, Thelma attended Queens College and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career working as a substitute teacher, which eventually became full time. Other positions held during her career include Special Education Teacher and Crisis Intervention Teacher, which led to the position of coordinator for all special education classes. Thelma also received her Master's Degree in Education and a Professional Certificate in Supervision and Administration. She served as supervisor of five to six schools to oversee instructional programs. She later became District Administrator of Special Education. This was the last position she held prior to her retirement in 1998. Thelma believed that her parents left a legacy on the importance of family. She upheld the legacy by continuing the family traditions, which was usually centered around holidays like New Year's Eve, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthdays as well. Interestingly, her parent's house was what she called, “The big meeting place”, which Thelma cheerfully embraced. Similarly, her home was the place where everyone would gather especially to get some of her infamous rolls at holiday time. Thelma had other talents and accomplishments as well. She taught tap dance, she was a certified life guard, she loved to sing and play the piano, and in her early years, she was a member of the Deltairs, a singing group established by her sister Carol, she also sang on the choir at Allen AME Church in Jamaica, New York. She was a seamstress, she belonged to the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., and according to her, shopping was “one of her big passions”. More importantly, Thelma's focus was on contributing as much time and energy to help her grandchildren's lives to be happier and more fulfilling. Thelma also desired to expand her purpose to include more people and projects. She wrote several non-published books and poems to include “My Symphony” and “Maxx-A-Million,” her last book that was soon to be published. Thelma is survived by one son, Troy, six grandchildren, Ronald, Shari, Raushan, Troy, Rasheed, and Tre-Jonathan, two daughters-in-law, Rhonda and Lenore, three sisters, Carol, Rose, and Judy, and a host of relatives and friends. On Wednesday, May 19, 2010; Relatives and friends are invited to Mrs. Lemon's Life Celebration at Spirit of Faith Christian Center, 14107 Gibbons Church Rd., Brandywine, MD 20613 on Thursday, May 27, 2010 from 10am until time of service at 11am. Interment Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 1pm.