Mrs. Thelma Tellis

Mrs. Thelma Tellis was born on October 6, 1920 to the late Frank and Pearlie Smith in Glenwood, Alabama. Thelma departed this life on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Troy Regional Medical Center, Troy, Alabama. Prior to her death, she received excellent service and care from Alacare Home Health & Hospice; her care provider, Rose Bean of Capitol City Home Health & Rehabilitation, Montgomery, AL; and her case manager, Holly Hams of South Alabama Development Commission. At an early age, Thelma accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and attended Bethel Temple Church of God In Christ and later attended Friendship Baptist Church, Glenwood, Alabama. After moving to Troy, she joined Lake Avenue Church of God In Christ. In the early 80’s, she helped to organize the Church of God & Jesus Only and there she faithfully served as the Church Mother for approximately seventeen years. Due to her health, she was under the watch care of Clio Community Church. It was no doubt, Thelma loved “God”. At the age of five, due to her mother’s illness and incapacitation, Thelma had to take on the responsibilities as the Lady of the House. She also took care of two younger siblings. Thelma was instructed by her ill mother, to get the apple crate box (wood) to stand on at the old wooden cast iron stove. She obeyed her mother’s instructions; during the times she cooked, cleaned, and washed the little laundry they had by hand. She baked her first pound cake during this time. Once her mother’s health improved, she attended Friendship School. This was a one room shack with students of different ages. She often expressed that she loved and appreciated her teacher. She would refuse to be promoted to a higher grade because she wanted to get a good understanding of her education. She also assisted her father with picking cotton. At the age of sixteen, on December 24, 1936 she and Elbert Ted Tellis united in holy matrimony at the Old Pike County Court House. She had her own quilts when she got married. Thelma was self taught to be a skilled seamstress in the community. She loved to plant her vegetable garden, and flower beds, (plants). The joy of Thelma’s life was cooking for family and fishing. In 2005, at the age of eighty-five, Thelma caught a 10 lb. Bass all by herself. She had it mounted by a Taxidermist. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Pearlie Smith; her husband, Elbert Ted Tellis; her children, Johnny Lee, Lewis Merl, Henry Lewis, Barney Ray Tellis, Anita Grace Tellis, Lacy Pearl Jackson, and Rose Tellis; her siblings, Idella Ousley, Allen Hale, Effie Brown, Delry Smith, Jessie Smith, Leo Smith and John F. Smith; her grandchildren, Antonio Tellis, Kelly Tellis, Jennifer Richards and Henry D. Batie; her great grandchild, Jermaine Jackson; her grandparents, Susan and Andrew Brundidge and Becky and Henry Smith; and her In-laws, Jane and Elbert Tillis. Leaving to cherish her memories are: Her Loving and Devoted Children: Robert Earl Tellis, Frank L. (Dorothy) Tellis, Willie Tellis, Johnnie Ray Tellis, Mary E. Dortch, Garrett Lucas (Willie), Tarrie A. Rodgers (Norman) and Irene T. Mahone (Jimmy), all of Troy, AL. Her Step-child: Willie Boyd (JoAnn), Helicon Community, Grady, AL. Her Siblings: Ilene Ridgeway, Detroit, MI; and Willie J. Smith, Nashville, TN. Her Special and Devoted Friends: Rose Bean, Lula Larkins, Lovie Scott, Mildred Wheeler, Valarie and Bennie Thomas, Roy Ryles, Sim Parker, Katherine Tolbert, Naomi Carpenter, all of Troy, AL; Gloria Ridgeway, Detroit, MI; Irene Gail Glover, Cincinnati, OH; Curtis Blair, Troy, AL; and Lessie D. Smith, Dozier, AL. Her Grands and Others: A host of grandchildren; great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; Grandchildren that were nurtured by their grandparents, Earl J. Miller, Shari T. Wafer, Brenda Scott and Elizabeth Tellis; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Thelma Tellis

October 6, 1920 - February 24, 2017

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Mrs. Thelma Tellis

October 6, 1920 - February 24, 2017

About Us

Flowers & Gifts

Contact Us

What We Do

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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