Thelma Ann (Howie) Whaley

    Thelma Ann (Howie) Whaley, of Milford, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, December 4, 2017, in Milford Memorial  Hospital. She was 92.

         Thelma Ann Howie Whaley was born November 9, 1925 in Milford, Delaware to the late Robert G. and Jennie B. Howie. She graduated from Milford School #3, now known as Benjamin Banneker Elementary School.  She continued her education at Delaware State College for Colored Students, now known as the Delaware State University, where she completed high school in 1942, and then returned for one year of college.

     Thelma gave her life to Christ at an early age and was a life-long member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where she served on several Ministries, including Senior Choir, Nominating Committee and Food Ministry. She also was a member of Hester Dutton Temple, Hattie B. Hubbard Council; United Methodist Women; Negro Council of Women; Club 13 and NAACP.

     Thelma retired from International Playtex after 29 years of employment.  Following retirement she was a Foster Grandparent for 20 years where she received many awards as an outstanding volunteer for sharing her talents with special needs children. Thelma was known as “Mom Mom” to the young and “Mom Thelma” to others.

     She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed traveling, cooking and spending time with her family. Many times you could find her in the kitchen at St. Paul rolling dumplings or at home preparing potato salad and other foods for special events or just a good family dinner. She had a great love of animals, especially her dogs!

     Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jennie Howie; a son Donald Whaley; four brothers Richard, Frank, Charles and Walter Howie; a sister Ollie Stevenson; a daughter-in-law Maryland Whaley and a great-grandson Dee’jion Fullman.

     Thelma leaves to cherish pleasant memories of her five children: Rev. Charles Whaley, Oveta Gray (William), Marsha Whaley, Robert Whaley, Christilita Ford; eight grandchildren: Denise Clark (Melvin), Oveta Fullman, Theresa Gray, William Gray, Jr. , Caleb Ford, Marcaylah Ford, Kasandra Hatton, Regina McDowell; six great-grandchildren: Candance Whaley, Kyree Clark, Dasmen Fullman, Darnell Fullman, Keaira Clark, Ledgen Ford; four great-great grandchildren; one sister-in-law Alma Rita Howie; and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.       

    Funeral Services will take place 12 noon, Saturday, December 9, 2017, in St.Paul’s United Methodist Church, 300 North  St., Milford;  where family and friends may view 2 hours before.  Burial will follow in Milford Community Cemetery.  Condolences may be sent via: www.pippinfuneralhome.com.

 Service Information