Mrs. Thelma Louise Ward

OBITUARY Thelma Louise Jackson (Ward) was born October 15, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to the union of Mary Louise and Willie James Jackson, Sr. Thelma grew up in a loving home with her 7 sisters and one brother. Thelma accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Bethlehem Temple Church located on Clinton Street in Detroit, Michigan under the Pastorate of Bishop S. N. Hancock. She received the baptism of the Holy Spirit there also. Thelma attended Norvell Elementary School and High School of Commerce in Detroit and was double promoted in high school. Thelma attended Wayne State University where she majored in Business. Thelma began her career as a professional secretary with the Detroit Public Schools and worked in various Administrative Assistant roles throughout her career. She later retired from the Southfield Public School System. In 1950, Thelma met her future husband while attending a Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention in Detroit, Michigan. While “courting” for a short period of time, Richard was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean Conflict. They later became engaged and on February 21st, 1953 they were married by the Late Bishop Samuel N. Hancock. To this union was born three children: Janice, Richard and Marcia. Thelma loved music. She studied and learned to play the piano and the harp. She enjoyed ministering as a song leader at the Thursday morning services held at Bethesda Christian Church for many years. Thelma was a skilled seamstress, workout enthusiast and lemon pie baker extraordinaire. Richard and Thelma loved to travel and were blessed to travel to many parts of the world. In 1965, Bethesda Missionary Temple became her family’s church home under the leadership of Pastor Myrtle Beall in Detroit. Thelma, along with her husband, graduated from a Catechism class taught by Rev. Patricia Beall Gruits. They later were confirmed and graduated from Ministers Candidate School. After graduation, they served as Counselors and later Assistant Teachers to Rev. Herbert Moos. Richard and Thelma launched the Outreach Catechism Class at the Northwest Detroit Greater Love Community of Christians Church and at Wayne State University for five years. The lives of over 200 students were touched and changed under their direction. Thelma served with her husband in the capacity of Deacon, Elder, member of the Church Council and as pre-marital counselor. One ministry that was dear to their hearts was the Widows Workshop Ministry, which they oversaw for many years. She also assisted her husband teaching the Caring Christian Sunday School Class. On Sunday, February 21st, 2021, which was the date of their wedding anniversary, Thelma went home to be with the Lord. Richard, the love of her life, preceded her in death. Thelma leaves to cherish her memory: Janice D. Coleman, Richard M. Ward, and Marcia Ward-Tumpkin; one adored grandson, Aaron Richard Coleman; two sons-in-law, Dallas Coleman, Jr. and Pastor Alan F. Tumpkin. Thelma was a special aunt to one beloved niece, Louraine Garrison. She also leaves to cherish her memory six sisters, Julia Robinson, Ruth Cotten, Esther Cotton, Elizabeth Murphy (Lee) and Martha Heath (Stanley); two sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law, along with numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends. Her siblings, Mildred Cobb, Catherine Williams, Willie James Jackson, Jr. (Sonny/Jack) preceded her in death. Thelma had a special relationship with her sister-in-law, Charlotte Garrison, who also preceded her in death.

Mrs. Thelma Louise Ward

October 15, 1932 - February 21, 2021