Thelma Williams Obituary

Thelma Williams GOOSE CREEK - Lifted by the Wings of Angels and Securely Embraced in God's Loving Arms, Mrs. Thelma Louise Reaid Williams, widow of Mr. Rufus Eliot Williams, of Goose Creek went to her Heavenly Home on Friday, February 8, 2013. Thelma was born in Flat Creek, AL, the last surviving child of nine children born to Mr. Benjamin Alexander Reaid and Mrs. Dewey Doss Reiad on June 26, 1928. Thelma was an exceptionally strong willed and very outspoken woman that endured many hardships and heartaches during her 84 years. She was quick to speak her mind, however, once she did she was fine. A devout Christian, she attended church as often as her health would permit and read from her Bible daily, before the dreaded disease, Alzheimer's took away her memory. She was a wonderful daughter, loving wife, mother and grandmother and she never met a stranger. Thelma was quick to tell you that her pride and joy were her two children, Tabetha "Tabbie" Jenkins of North Charleston and Elliott Williams of Avondale, AZ. Thelma worked various jobs in the Birmingham, AL, Hammond, IN, Key West, FL and Charleston areas. She worked locally at the Lamport Material Manufacturer in the late 1960's and for L.B. Price Mercantile as a sales associate. She married an Air Force Technical Sergeant in 1961, which took her overseas from 1965 to 1968 to Tripoli, Libya, North Africa. Prior to the tour overseas, she lived in her Forest Lawn Subdivision of Goose Creek and again upon her return until her health deteriorated and she had to be placed in Life Care Center of Charleston until her death. Over the years she enjoyed sewing, crocheting and word-find puzzles. Mostly she enjoyed meeting and talking to people. Her exceptional personality and quick wit, even until the end, will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. She will be sorely missed by her children and grandchildren, Tabetha Jenkins and husband Mike of North Charleston; son Elliott Williams and wife Dana of Avondale, AZ; the lights of her life, her grandchildren, Erik Lee of Avondale, AZ, Kelsie Williams of Tuscon, AZ, Chad Williams of Mt. Pleasant, Michael Ray Jenkins and wife Ashley of North Charleston and Amanda Ann Jenkins Moore and husband Allen of North Charleston. Mrs. Williams is also survived by her two great grandchildren, Raymond Allen Moore and William Michael Moore of North Charleston; special nieces Judy Bedford of La Porte, TX and Barbara Edmonds of Niceville, FL, along with a multitude of additional nieces and nephews. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Betty Reaid and Faye Reaid of Alabama and Geneva Reaid of Mississippi. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by all eight siblings, Wilber Reaid, Hershel Reaid, Lucky Reaid, Howard Reaid, Odell Reaid, Bennie Reaid, Jr., Rosemary Reaid and Gladys Jean Reaid Pinion. The family would like to say a special thank you to her long-time neighbors and friends, Nina and Harrison Waddell for all the help, visits, gifts and chocolate that you took Mom at home and at Life Care. We would also like to thank her many friends at Alex's Restaurant in Goose Creek, as well as the waitresses, for the kindness and service you gave Mom. Also a special thanks to George and Frances Lee for all the love, prayers, friendship, visits and chocolate you brought to Mom at Life Care as well as at home. Finally to the staff on Day Spring and Meadow Ridge at the Life Care Center of Charleston, our heartfelt thanks for all the care and support you showed to our Mom. God Bless you Dr. Sheldon, for all your care and support of our Mom. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we are so very fortunate that she was cared for by all of you. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in MCALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, GOOSE CREEK CHAPEL, 869 St. James Avenue. Burial will follow in Plantation Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Thelma Reaid Williams. Condolences can be sent to www.mcalister-smith.com Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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9 Entries

Kelsie Williams

August 11, 2015

Hi Grannie,

I'm not sure who else will see this, but I need to write it for me, and for you. I'm so very sorry I was unable to attend your funeral. I was too scared to see you go, and I couldn't miss class. When you left us, it was only the beginning of what turned out to be the roughest semester of my life.

It was only recently that I could visit South Carolina for the first time since your passing, and even then I was unable to bring you and Papa flowers and say what I think would be a more proper goodbye than this.

I miss you, Grannie. I'm sorry I wasn't mature enough during your lifetime to appreciate everything you did for me. But, please trust me when I say that I now look back on our brief moments together with such fondness. I now appreciate every bowl of buttered peas you so enthusiastically made for me when I visited as a child. I cherish how you jokingly pulled out your dentures to spook me. I smile when I remember how often you said I was such a beautiful girl. I tear up thinking about the last time I saw you in the care center; how your face lit up when you looked at me as though you remembered all these things we shared, too.

What breaks my heart most, however, is knowing that somewhere, those tiny little diamond stud earrings you bought for me when I was born are probably going unworn. I never got to wear them for you.

But if memory serves, I do still have the pink TY bunny you gave me when I was a little girl. His name is--forgive my childhood lack of creativity--Mr. Bun-Bun. Despite the fact that I'm now almost a college graduate, he still sits on my bed at home and I know whenever I'm sad, or lonely, or upset in any way, he's there to help. In a way, I suppose that means you're there, too.

I feel so much better having written this. It can be hard for me to articulate my thoughts into spoken words so I've always been afraid any prayers to you wouldn't be as sincere as I want them to be. Sitting here now, I know you're here, hand on my shoulder, love in your heart, ready to guide me through this world until I can see you again.

Rest well, Grannie. You and Papa are missed.

Tabbie Jenkins

January 13, 2015

Mom,

It's been a while since I've written you! I love and miss you each and every day. I just wish I could hear your voice and laughter again. Words cannot express how much I wish I could talk to you again! They say time heals, but sometimes I wonder! Elliott and I are still talking to each other at least once a week! Mike and I talk about you frequently and laugh at the memories we have of some of the things you used to say! Until next time, we love you!

Tabetha Jenkins

October 8, 2013

Dear Mom,

Well, it has been eight long months today that the Lord took you to your Heavenly Home. I Love and Miss you so much! There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you, sometimes every minute of every day! It seems like an eternity that you have been gone, although it is only a short time. Elliott and I keep in touch weekly and I thank God for that. As you have always known, he is my heart. I wish you were here so that I could talk to you and hear you laugh. I love you with all my heart. You are my Guardian Angel in Heaven. Until next time......

Tabbie Jenkins

August 8, 2013

Mom,

It has been six long months since you went to your Heavenly Home. I wish I could say it has been an easier time for me, but alas, it has not. I miss you so very much and wish I could talk to you and spend some time with you. I go to the cemetary and talk to you, but it is just not the same as talking with you in person. I rely on all the cherished memories I have of you in my heart. Memories that make me laugh and make me cry. I love you more than you will ever know and I miss you more than anything on this earth. Keep looking down on me and being my Special Angel when I need you!

Tabetha Jenkins

June 26, 2013

Dear Mom,

Happy First Birthday in Heaven. You would have been 85 years young today, but God wanted you to spend this Birthday in Heaven with him! I'm sorry that I wasn't in town last year for your Birthday and I really regret it. Amanda wanted us to go on Vacation with them so badly that I said yes, not even thinking it would be your last Birthday on Earth. Please forgive me for that. I feel so guilty that it hurts me so much. Elliott and I are still talking every Sunday evening and we e-mail back and forth with bits of wisdom....lol. I hope you have a wonderful day. I know you are Blessed. As I go to the Cemetery today and visit you, I go with heavy heart wishing you were still here with us. I Love You Mama so very much! Elliott does too. Mike and I talk of you often and remember all the laughs you gave us. It is our Memories of you and with you that Sustain us Somewhat as we are still trying to cope with losing you. Love You Always and Forever! Your Daughter, Tabbie

Tabbie Jenkins

June 4, 2013

Mom,

I really miss you so much. I wish I could talk to you and hear your laughter. I Love you!

Tabetha Jenkins

February 25, 2013

Mom, I love you and miss you more than words can ever say! I find myself wanting to go and see you at Life Care, only to realize you are no longer there. I haven't been able to go back to the Cemetary yet. I can't bring myself to do that just now. Hopefully, this will pass and I can go back there soon. I miss your sweet, gentle smile and your twinkling blue eyes. I also miss your soft spoken voice and the gentleness you possessed. I just plain miss you so much. I am leaning on my everlasting Father for comfort and strength to get me through this. I know you are watching down over me and Elliott. We both loved you so very much, each in our own way. Love and Miss You Unconditionally, Your Daughter, Tabbie

February 13, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

February 13, 2013

tabbie and elloit was so sorry to hear of your mom she was a good person i met her when she worked for lb price and spoke to her ever now and then she trully loved you kids and your dad you are both in my prayers iam karen knight

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