72-00 Noon Dr. .Gfeg5rj^f/FuUfef,Pastor Pastor'MarTon Davis,'Officiating mglQNJA'BMPTISl Cl IURCH ^^B^^Uhtshor^Road J Obituary THELMA L CROWDER (MAMA THELMA) went home peacefully to be with the Lord on January 29,2015 surrounded by family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Sam Crowder, her son, Johnny and her daughter, Theresa. Thelma was born September 12,1936 in Monroe, Georgia to Lucy Ethel and Willie Guy Barnes. She lived her early years in Social Circle, Georgia before relocating to Monroe, North Carolina where she attended Winchester Avenue High School. She met Sam Crowder (Papa Dad) and the two married August 8,1954. To this union four children were born - Brenda, Theresa, Johnny and Danny. They spent many years traveling while Papa a was in the military. The family eventually settled in Augusta, Georgia m the late 60s and tha is where Mama Thelma remained until 2013, when her health began to decline. Mama moved to Decatur, Georgia to be taken care of by her children and a host of family members and close friends. Mama Thelma was blessed to be a member of Langford Chapel CME during her early years; in Monroe, North Carolina. After settling in Augusta, she found her spiritual home and movedher membership to Macedonia-Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J.S. Wright. When Macedonia Baptist Church expanded, Mama attended Macedonia East Church under the leadership of Pastor Marion Davis. With a practical mind, open heart and generous spirit, Thelma was committed to her family and friends. To family, Thelma was matriarch, headquarters, counselor and communicator She spent her life working to keep her family together. Always prepared to assist each person wherever life circumstances had placed them; there were no conversations too challenging for her to consider. Thelma loved to cook. You could always find her in the kitchen preparing a delicious meal ready to be shared with anyone and everyone at her kitchen table. She entertained countless dinners t a would fill her home with children and sleepers all over her floors. For years Thelma also anchored the great task of hosting annual camping trips for family and friends, As a communicator, Thelma was always ready to pick up the phone for that call coming in, she loved sharing in conversation - it was never too late or too early. To both family and friends Thelina was the epitome of a treasured friend. Her sense of humor often caught you off guard but it made her that much more endearing. Always welcoming people with a warm smile, Thelma was protective, supportive and encouraging to her family and many friends. She was known for her generosity, always ready to share and give of what she had. She was practical; she lived a simple life, always satisfied to be blessed with what she had. Thelma loved people, her heart did not see young or old black or white, sick or well, have or have not, male or female and therefore her friends were all of these. Mama Thelma leaves to cherish her loving memory: a devoted and committed daughter Brenda (Maxwell) Pickett, Decatur, Georgia; a loving and supportive son, Danny (Karen) Crowder, Conyers, Georgia; a brother, Richard (Tina) Barns, Riverside, California; sister-in-law, Roberta Barnes, Lithonia, Georgia; nine grandchildren, Angie (Keith) Thomas, MaxweU (Paula) Pickett, Christopher Crowder, Marvin (Shawna) Pickett, Jarred Crowder, Johnathan (Kim) Eason, Greg Eason, Phillip Eason and Darius Crowder; special godchildren, Walter Mack, Jr., Catherine Murray and Marvin Davis; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly. Order of Service Presiding, Dr. Gregory Fuller Senior Pastor, Macedonia West Baptist Church Augusta, Georgia Prelude Processional Selection. ........Pastor Davis and Macedonia Choir Scripture Readings. .................................Pastor George Kelly Bethel Family Church Decatur, GA Old and New Testaments Prayer. ................Assistant Pastor Tara Johnson Macedonia East Baptist Church Augusta, GA Selection. ........Pastor Davis and Macedonia Choir Reflections (2 Minutes Please)......................................Friends & Family Words of Encouragement....................................Senior Pastor Steve Owens Bethel Family Church Decatur, GA Solo... Eulogy. . Mrs. Veronica Stokes .............................Pastor Marion Davis Senior Pastor, Macedonia East Baptist Church Augusta, GA Recessional Interment... . Mount Olive Memorial Gardens -Repast - Macedonia Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Pallbearers Maxwell Pickett, Jr., Jarred Martin Crowder, Michael Christopher Crowder, Samuel Jonathan Crowder, II, Marvin Caley Pickett, Walter Mack, Jr Darius Jamal Crowder, Kori Rashad Thomas, Kenneth Johnson and Keith Thomas Zo ZhoseJ Cove When I am gone, just release me, let me go - so I can move into my afterglow. You mustnt tie me down with your tears; lets be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess - how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you each for the love you each have shown, but now its time I travel alone. So grieve me awhile, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust. Its only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. And then, when you must come this way alone, Ill greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home. "Good bye, Ill talk at you later. THELMA LEE CROWDER September 12,1936 - January 29, 2015 Acknowledgements The family wishes to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for all acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy extended to us during this time of bereavement and for your prayers during Moms illness. May the Lord, Jesus Christ, bless each of you and give you safe travel to your destinations. W. H. Mays Mortuary "Professional Service A Family Tradition Since 1922 1221 James Brown Boulevard Augusta, GA 30901 706-722-6401 Design/Printing By: Augusta blueprint * Augusta, Georgia (706) 722-6488 WWW.AUGUSTAFUNERALNOTICES.COM