Thelma Spivey, daughter of the late Robert Spivey and Catherine Jones Spivey was born on September 20, 1934 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. She departed this life on Saturday, August 10, 2019 in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.
Thelma was the third of ten children lovingly nurtured by her parents. Thelma accepted Christ at an early age at First Church of God in Christ which was pastored by the late Bishop F.D. Washington.
She attended Montclair Public schools graduating from Montclair High School in 1952. Thelma was gifted with a beautiful voice and as a teenager she won first place on the television program “Stairway to the Stars” in which she sang “Oh Danny Boy”.
Thelma served in the U.S. Air Force receiving an honorable discharge. She wanted to see the world but served her military duty in Texas. After her military service, Thelma furthered her education attending Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey completing a course in stenography and worked for a brief time as court reporter. She then pursued nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse which later helped when she was called on to care for family members when needed.
Eventually, Thelma earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Shaw University in North Carolina. Affectionately known as “Thay” by her family and friends, Thelma was a voracious reader, loved to go fishing and visiting family in North Carolina.
Thelma is preceded by her parents, Robert and Catherine Spivey and her siblings: Marie Ryder, Gladys Smith, Robert Jr., Frank, Reverend Wilbur and Earl.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her Brother Raymond and Sisters Ernestine Long and Mary Williamson (Samuel Jr.); sister-in-law Doris Spivey, brother-in-law Leroy Smith and many devoted nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends.
Those who submit to the will of our loving, heavenly Father, we will never forget you and will always remember how well you learned to cook (smile).
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
The family wishes to thank everyone for every act of kindness and words of sympathy. May the Lord bless you real good.
The Spivey Family
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