Thelma Fussell Byrd

Funeral services for Thelma Fussell Byrd will be held at Dawson Street Baptist Church on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Lee Waller and David Miller will officiate. Mrs. Byrd passed away on April 5, 2013 in Braselton, Georgia. Thelma was born on September 10, 1919 in Hazlehurst, Georgia. She was the daughter of Reno and Mildred Fussell. After graduation from South Georgia College in Douglas, Georgia she began her career as an elementary school teacher. She married Archie W. Byrd, also from Hazlehurst, upon his return from WWII. Thelma and Archie moved to Thomasville where they lived for the next 63 years. He preceded her in death in 2008. Thelma retired from the Thomasville City Schools in 1981. After retirement she enjoyed participating in many activities. They included Thomasville Retired Teachers, Women's Club, Archbold Hospital Auxiliary, Mildred Northcutt Circle and Ruth Sunday School Class both at Dawson Street Baptist Church. Her life was greatly enhanced by the many trips to Mexico Beach, Florida where she and Archie shared their "Byrdnest". She loved her long walks on the beach and spending time in this special place with family and friends. She was also preceded in death by siblings, Anne Fussell, Dewey Fussell, and Monroe Fussell. Survivors include a son and daughter and families: Fred and Toby Byrd, Blue Ridge, Ga.; Oscar and Vicki Mims, Cornelia, Ga. Grandchildren include: Chandler Byrd, Blue Ridge, Ga.; Meryl and Scott Kerklo, Seattle, Wa.; Trey and Sara Mims, Dubai, UAE; Colleen Mims, Seattle, Wa.; Lane and Adam Gunter Camp and Collins, Tallahassee, Fl.; Trip Webb, Tallahassee, Fl. Surviving siblings include: Margaret Clements Jacksonville, Fl.; Marilyn Froscher Gainesville, Fl.; Wilson Fussell Hazlehurst, Ga.; Ed Fussell Jessica Pioneer, Ca.; Roger Fussell Elaine Brentwood, Tn. Other survivors include many nieces and nephews. The family will receive guests at Allen and Allen Funeral Home on Sunday, April 7, 2013 form 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, 743 Spring St. NE Gainesville, Georgia 30501 or the charity of your choice.