Thelma Faye Matthews, 91, of St. Marys passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at the Senior Care Center of St. Marys.
Thelma was born in St, Marys to the late Raleigh Matthews and Mary Georgeann Hubbard on Jan. 27, 1929. She received her early education in the public school system of Camden County and graduated from Camden County Training School in the class of 1947. She attended Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, and Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, obtaining her master’s degree in elementary education.
Thelma taught at several Duval County, Florida, public schools as an elementary reading specialist and retired after 30 years of dedicated service.
Thelma was a longtime faithful member of Young Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Raleigh Matthews; a sister, Verdie Belle Matthews; and her beloved mother Georgeann Hubbard McNeil.
Thelma leaves behind her sister, Marilyn Griffin Harris (Fernandina Beach, Florida); niece, Karen Harris-Lewis (Jacksonville, Florida); two nephews, Michael K. Harris and Kenneth J. (Ardee) Harris (Fernandina Beach); grand-nieces, Chayla B. Lewis and Ashton C. Harris; grand-nephews, Jason B. Harris and Kendall G. Harris; great-grand-niece, Chayana B. Payton; goddaughter, Carol Hannah; and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of final arrangements.