Thelma H. Blount was born in Edenton, North Carolina on May 29, 1931. She passed away on August 13, 2023, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Her parents were the late William and Rosa Holley. Thelma is predeceased by her husband of 68 rears, George W. Blount, and her brother, George Holley. She is survived by her son, Elston Lee Blount and his wife Patricia of Charlotte, North Carolina, and daughter, June Lorraine Blount of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Her grandchildren, Michelle Giles and husband Richard of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Christina Augustus and husband Steward of Newport News, Virginia. Her great grandchildren, Richelle Giles, Sierra Giles, J'uan Giles and Aliyah Wright. Her nieces, Cherral Holley-Evans of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Camille Holley-Sheppard of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and Grant Holley of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, two special daughters Lisa Moore (cousin), and Deborah Kittrell of Virginia Beach, Virginia, along with a host of family and friends.

Thelma graduated from Edenton High School on May 25, 1950. In her sophomore year she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. A few years later Thelma and George fell in love and got married, and moved to Norfolk, Virginia. From that union they had two children. Thelma was a devoted and faithful wife, and because her husband was a servant in the congregation, she made many sacri­fices without complaint. While dealing with health issues she continued to fi­ll her life with theocratic activities while being a part of the Villa Heights Congregation in Norfolk, Virginia from the time this congregation was formed until her passing. There were times where she served as a vacation pioneer, now known as an auxiliary pioneer, as well as a regular pioneer for decades. During that time, she aided many persons toward dedication and baptism. Elston and June remember many seven-hour days in the ministry stopping for lunch to have a nab and soda and then continuing in the ­field ministry. Then they were making back calls and conducting Bible studies. Because of their love for Jehovah and the ministry, George and Thelma were blessed to have a son, a daughter, two granddaughters, three great granddaughters and a great grandson who are all dedicated baptized servants of Jehovah. While keeping up with her spiritual routine she also did domestic work for one family for over 40 years until she retired. The Short's were her extended family, and she was there when their three children were infants, reached adulthood and married with children of their own. There was mutual love and respect among all.

We can't forget her gift of hospitality. She was active in visiting and calling on the sick and extending help in whatever capacity needed. There were dinner parties where she eventually invited everyone in the congregation as well as feeding the circuit overseer and his wife during their visits. One of her favorite desserts that we loved was her banana pudding. She was a very outgoing person; there were long telephone conversations with her closest friends. She loved to travel, go to the movies, and loved to dance. We look forward to that wonderful hope of a resurrection in a New World – John 5:28,29. Sister Thelma Blount will be missed by all who truly loved her.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Brother Webster from the Hospital Liaison Committee for his guidance in helping us through our loss. We would also like to thank P. G. Thomasson Funeral Services. Thank you to everyone who reached out to us with your words of love, encouragement, and condolences.