Thelma Mae Rich

Graham-Thelma Mae Ward Rich, 75, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 27, 2019 at ARMC. She was a native of Alamance County and the wife of 36 years to Hans “Big Daddy” Rich who survives.

Thelma retired after 50 years with Glen Raven Mills and was of the Baptist faith. Thelma loved her grandchildren, great grandchildren and was devoted to her family. She enjoyed flower gardening, yard sales, cooking and ceramic painting. Thelma was also an avid Tar Heel fan.

Survivors include her husband, Hans “Big Daddy” Rich of the home; daughter, Rhonda McAdoo and husband, Larry of Graham, Michelle Fletcher (Steve Evans, Sr.) of Burlington; son, Roger Carnes of Mebane; grandchildren, Crystal and Misty Carnes, Michael and Matthew Hoosier, Johnathon Fletcher, Amy and Elton Carnes; 6 great grandchildren; sisters, Doris Stadler and husband, Buddy of Burlington and Dorothy Carlton of Mebane. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Newton Ward, Sr. and Addie Rachel Anderson Ward; daughter, Rachel Carnes and grandson, Nicholas Carnes; sisters, Geraldine Carden; brothers, Roosevelt, Norman, Samuel and Arnold Ward.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at 2:00pm at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Darryl Peebles. The burial will follow at Moore’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45pm prior to the service on Wednesday and other times at the home of Crystal Carnes, 2133 Hawks Crest Lane, Graham, NC 27253.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Cone Health Cancer Center and especially Dr. Chrystal and Dr. Finnegan.

Memorials may be made to The Cone Health Cancer Center at ARMC, 1236 Huffman Mill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.