Ms. Thelma Jean Brown of 712 West 15th Avenue, Cordele, Georgia passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, at her residence.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the sanctuary of the New Oak Grove Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Pleasant Valley Church Cemetery in Pinehurst, Georgia.

Thelma Jean Brown, born on March 16, 1952, in Cordele, Crisp County, Georgia, was a beacon of dedication and love. The cherished daughter of Joe Brown, Sr., and Essie Coney Brown, Thelma's life was a testament to community service, family devotion, and faith.

Thelma was a proud product of the Crisp County Public School System. A 1971 graduate of Crisp County High School, her formative years were spent in the nurturing community of Cordele, where she developed a strong sense of belonging and service.

From a young age, Thelma joined the New Oak Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J. W. McKenzie. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering, and she served as a dedicated Usher throughout her life. Not only did she serve on the Usher Board, but she also took on leadership roles as President and Treasurer. Her devotion extended to the City-wide Ushers Union, where she made significant contributions as the Costume Chairperson.

Thelma was actively involved in the community, sharing her time and talents with various organizations. She was a valued member of the Mahogany Ladies Club, where she developed lasting friendships and contributed to community projects. Her culinary skills were also well-known, as she worked as a caterer for several civic groups, delighting many with her delicious creations.

Professionally, Thelma was known for her dedication and hard work. She served as the Housekeeping Supervisor at the Holiday Inn Cordele for many years, where her leadership and attention to detail were highly regarded. Later, she worked at Crisp Regional Health Services in the Dietary Department until her health began to decline.

On January 23, 2025, Thelma's earthly journey came to an end. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Jerome Brown, Dianne Brown, Joe Brown, Jr., and Freddie Brown. Her legacy of love and dedication lives on through her surviving siblings, Bettye Wilson and Dayell Brown of Cordele, Georgia, her nieces and nephews she helped raise, Vanessa (Kenneth, Sr.) Haugabrook and Al (Sybrina) Jones of Cordele, Georgia, LTC Nicholas (Shatorrica) Morgan of Byron, Georgia, LeSheena Wilson (Christopher Clayton), and Tometrice Kindel of Cordele, Georgia; her special nieces, Calisha Linder, Tyonda Brown, and Angela Walker of Cordele, Georgia; the "joys" of her heart, Beyonce, KJ, Christian, and Justyn; her godmother, Naomi Stubbs of Cordele, Georgia; her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, to include, Linda Moore, Mary Davis, Renay Harvey, and Peggy Harris; along with her church family at New Oak Grove Baptist Church and fellow Ushers also cherish her memory.