Thelma Reynolds Grant

HENDERSON – Thelma Reynolds Grant, 82, of 230 Weybossett Rd, passed peacefully at her home on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, after a two-year battle with ovarian and breast cancer. Although Thelma’s last two years were spent battling cancer, she does not wish to be remembered that way; instead remembered as the fierce woman who was dealt some difficulties but always pushed forward with a smile on her face. Her faith in Jesus helped her stay strong during the trials. She was born November 4,1940 in Richmond VA, the daughter of the late Glover Harrison Reynolds and Margaret Jennings Reynolds. Thelma was a 1958 graduate of Manchester High School in Chesterfield County, VA. She attended James Madison University, where she studied History. She relocated to Henderson in 1966. Thelma loved her family and friends with all of her heart. Her greatest accomplishment was raising five girls, much of that time as a single mother. She was affectionately known as Mama and Nana. She is survived by her daughters: Betsy Ellis (son-in-law Spencer, grandson Preston and wife Kristin, and great granddaughters Sophie and Macy) of Henderson, and Jenny Grant Barbour (son-in-law Paul, grandson Grant and granddaughter Allie) of Clayton; her two granddaughters whom she raised: Kristina Stevenson (fiancé Rocky Adcock) of Oxford, and Emily Howarth of the home; and her daughter Stacey. She grew up in a family of ten siblings. Until the end she was fortunate to have this strong support system. She is survived by brothers and sisters: Bobby Reynolds (Deanie), Tom Reynolds (Irene), Don Reynolds (Lynn), Billy Reynolds (Sheila), John Reynolds, Ruth Barger, Judy Orcutt, and Carol Norman; and 33 nieces and nephews on the Grant and Reynolds sides of the family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Jean Campbell, sister-in-law Michelle Reynolds, and four brothers-in-law, Haynes Barger, Joe Orcutt, Kenny Norman and Bill Campbell. A void will also be left as her friends and neighbors, work family and church family grieve her loss. Thelma’s working years included teacher’s assistant and working in the Central Office with the Vance County School System. Most of her career she worked at the State Employee’s Credit Union, in the Henderson branch. She proudly served her members for almost 25 years, retiring in April 2012. After retirement she followed her passion for serving others. She was a Christian who enjoyed reading the Bible and enjoyed Bible study groups. She was a proud member of First United Methodist Church Henderson for over 55 years; her volunteer service at First United Methodist Church included church librarian and co-leading the Clothing Closet ministry. She enjoyed volunteering at Dabney Elementary School, where she would tutor students and read to them. She was an avid reader and often you would find her with a book in her hand. She was a former member of Henderson Junior Woman’s Club. Her happy place when not at home was Topsail Island. A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 3:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church Henderson by Rev. George Loveland. Family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:30 P.M. in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church. At other times, family will receive friends at the home, 230 Weybossett Rd, Henderson, NC 27537. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to one of the following: First United Methodist Church (Clothing Closet Ministry), American Cancer Society, Gail Parkins Memorial (ovarian cancer), Susan B Komen Foundation (breast cancer), or Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.