Thelma Coley

Thelma Smith Coley, 83, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024 at her home surrounded by her children.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Pastor Jason Almond will officiate and interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church. 

Mrs. Coley was born on August 16, 1941 in Stanly County to the late Thaddeaus Howard and Dora Huneycutt Smith. She graduated from Stanly Community college and went on to work at Michelin. She was a faithful member at Bethlehem Baptist Church. She was known as the GA/Acteen mom at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dexter Dulin Coley; one sister, Marie Smith; and grandson, Kyle Kepley.

She is survived by her son: Nelson Coley; her daughter: Darlene Kepley (Jeff), all of Albemarle; seven grandchildren: Jennifer Deese (Jeff), Michelle Cratty(Shane), Brandon Coley, Tiffany Coley, Cody Coley, Emily Dorsett (Jerry), Jacob Coley, and Kris Kepley (Liz); 10 great-grandchildren: Daniel (Kalyn), Katelyn (Anthony), Karson, Dawson, Lindi, Grace Anne, Brooklyn, Cashman, Savannah, and Dulin; and three great-great grandchildren: Jackson, Georgia, and Dex. She also had many nieces and nephews. She loved her church and her church family.

Thelma was known for her selfless heart. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was also known as GA/Acteen mom at Bethlehem Baptist Church. A funny memory shared was of her piling thirteen girls in her car to take to the Baptist association meeting as well as trips. We know that would never fly these days. No seat belts needed. There are many precious memories of them spending the night, exploring other countries through food, and making candies. Her special candy making has been a fond memory with her nieces and nephews as well. She was also well known for her beautiful cake making. She made extravagant wedding cakes. 

Her family reminiscences on the love they shared of exploring some of the most beautiful places. They saw the glaciers of Alaska to waterfalls in Hawaii to the Twin Towers in New York, etc. Some of these places were shared with friends and family. They shared their 50th Anniversary on a cruise to the Bahamas with family, including nieces, nephews, great aunt, and spouses. She enjoyed many beach and lake trips with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Many of the beach trips were celebrated in August, where we celebrated her birthday. She cherished her time spent with family. She enjoyed a good game of Rook, putting together puzzles, playing Sudoku, and word searches. 

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church 32283 Bethlehem Church Road, Norwood, NC  28128 or Tillery Compassionate Care 960 N First Street Albemarle NC 28001.

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