Thelma Fonville

Thelma Eugenia Smith Fonville, a resident of Sandy Cross Road, Burlington, NC died on March 1, 2006 at Piedmont Crossing Retirement Center in Thomasville, NC. Thelma Fonville was born in Caswell County on March 8, 1917. She was the third of six children of William Lindsay Smith, Sr., a storekeeper, and Flossie Jane Bridgers Smith, a teacher. During the Depression the family moved from Caswell County to Burlington, NC. Thelma was married to Jamie T. Fonville, Sr. on July 1, 1938. They were happily married for 56 years before Jamie Fonville, Sr. preceded her in death, having died on October 14, 1994. Thelma had been an employee of May Hosiery Mill in Burlington. After marrying Jamie, she worked at the Warner Robbins Military Fuse Plant in Macon, GA during World War II. On the return of the Fonvilles to Burlington after the war, Thelma was a homemaker until her children were grown. She served as a grade mother during the time her children were in school. Following the death of her husband, Thelma worked part time for the Winn-Dixie store on South Church Street. Thelma loved gardening, mowing her lawn and especially her five grandchildren. Thelma had been a very active member in her church, Long's Chapel United Church of Christ. She had been a Deacon, member of the Women's Fellowship, taught Sunday School for over 50 years, and sang in the choir for over 60 years. She was preceded in death by her brothers William Lindsay Smith, Jr., Dan Smith, and Merle Smith and her sisters Evelyn Mae Smith Stevens and Jane Beth Smith Miller. Thelma is survived by her two sons: Jamie T. "Buddy" Fonville, Jr. and his wife, Carol, of Thomasville, NC and David Eugene "Gene" Fonville of Burlington, NC. Thelma has five grandchildren: Brian Fonville, Amie Fonville Sivon, Carolyn Fonville Seale, Lauren Fonville and Casey Fonville. A Service of Celebration for the life of Thelma Fonville will be held at Long's Chapel United Church of Christ on Highway 49N, Burlington, NC at 11:00 AM on March 4, 2006 with burial in the Long's Chapel Cemetery. Dr. Dace Lewis, Jr., ministerial son of the church, will conduct the service. The family will receive friends at Lowe Funeral Home in Burlington NC from 6-8 PM on Friday, March 3rd., and at other times at the home of Gene Fonville at 3306 Elk Drive, Burlington, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the music program at Longs Chapel UCC, 2364 Hwy 49N, Burlington, NC 27217, or to a charity of ones choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at info@lowefuneralhome.com