Thelma McAdams, of Lynn Haven, FL, went to be with her Savior on May 12, 2016. She made the journey surrounded by the family she loved so well.
Thelma was born October 19, 1931 in Washington County, FL to Harvey and Mary Ella Hatcher Gay. She attended Chipley High School, where she served on the yearbook staff and graduated at 16 years old in 1948.
Left to cherish her sweet memory are her husband of 50 years, George Olin McAdams, and their five children and their spouses, Cecelia and Ron Johnson of Tallahassee, FL, Debi and Foy Andrews of Orlando, FL, Sarah and Alvin Richards of Radcliff, KY, George Olin "Bubba" McAdams Jr. and Josie of Belgrade, MT, and Angie and Roy Smith of Panama City, FL., eight grandchildren and their spouses, James and Karen Richards, Melissa and Joe Stillman, RJ and Dawna Johnson, Jennifer and Kyle Mock, Olin and Heather Richards, Nicole McAdams, Aubrey Henderson, Stephen McAdams, and five great-grandchildren, Chloe Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Caleb Mock, Makenzie Mock, and Skylar Richards.
Thelma has three surviving siblings, Magdalene McAdams, Kenneth Gay and Lamar Gay, as well as three of Olin's siblings she was very close to, Glen McAdams, Elwood McAdams, and Lucille Sadler. Two of Thelma's siblings welcomed her into Heaven, Harvey Dempsey Gay and Phyllis Carol Gay. Both Harvey Jr. and Phyllis passed away as children, and after more than 70 years, the three have a lot to catch up on.
Thelma was the family matriarch, a beloved "Mama" and "Grannie." She lived out her Christian faith in practical ways: volunteering at her church and in her community, calling on those in need of encouragement with a covered dish in hand, and staying in close contact with her loved ones, offering words of advice and praying for each one of their concerns. Thelma whole-heartedly believed the Bible's gospel message and wanted to share it with others. She saw the Bible as her "daily bread," and read from its pages each morning.
Thelma could often be found in the kitchen, making big meals to gather her family together. She had a sweet tooth and was known for her delicious desserts. Thelma loved a deal and made many a happy memory with her daughters and granddaughters while bargain shopping and enjoying a flavored cappuccino. She was an accomplished quilter and her family will cherish the many she lovingly pieced together for them.
Thelma loved to get outside and took daily walks around her North Bay neighborhood with dear friend and neighbor Linda Ashby. She was also an avid gardener and she and Olin's home is surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers—including her favorite, a beautiful white Easter lily that's now in bloom.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31: 28-31, NIV
Thelma's friends and family will be celebrating her life with a visitation service on Monday, May 16 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and a memorial service on Tuesday, May 17 at 11:00 a.m. Both gatherings will be held at Wilson Funeral Home, 214 Airport Rd, Panama City, FL. Thelma was an active member of First Baptist Church of Panama City and the "Whosoever Will" Sunday school class. Her service will be officiated by her Sunday school teacher, Rev. Clyde Ellison, with hymns and special music led by Minister of Music at First Baptist, Rev. Ken Brookins, and accompanist and long -time family friend Cheryl Freeman Steen.
If you would like to make a donation in Thelma's name, please consider supporting Wycliffe Bible Translators or the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation. Wycliffe is a global mission organization that provides translated Scripture to those without it in their language. Gifts can be made online at www.wycliffe.org or sent to Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862. The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation supports cancer research and establishes and improves women's shelters for survivors of domestic violence. Gifts can be made online at www.marykayfoundation.org or sent to MKACF, P.O. Box 799044, Dallas, Texas 75379.