A lifelong resident of Fayetteville, AR, Thelma was born Nov. 21, 1932 to Waldo G. and Maydea E. Austin. She passed from this life on September 21, 2019 from complications after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one son, Clyde Alan Elvins; and sisters, Helen Lackey and Mildred Austin.
Thelma leaves behind her beloved children,William Elvins and wife, Bonita of Houston, TX, Gary Elvins of Houston, TX, Katherine Jones of Rogers, Ralph Elvins of West Siloam Springs, OK, Susan Elvins of Fayetteville and Jay Elvins and wife, Paula of West Siloam Springs, OK; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Rosemary Austin; nieces, Evelyn Shaffer and Patricia Ramsey; and many, many friends.
After retiring from Campbell Soup, she then worked for Cooper Industries for many years. She enjoyed countless hours playing bingo at both Fayetteville and Springdale Senior Activity Centers.
She was very active in supporting the Washington Regional Cancer Support Home and many organizations to champion the fight against cancer. Her positive attitude gave inspiration to many people coping with cancer. As an active supporter she participated annually in the Race for the Cure and Relay for Life. She was known for her warm and unpretentious hugs.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel, 855 S. Happy Hollow Road, Fayetteville AR 72701.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Washington Regional Cancer Support Home or the Washington Regional Friends of Hospice c/o Washington Regional Foundation.
A remembrance gathering will be held immediately following the service at the Fayetteville Senior Activity & Wellness Center, 945 South College, Fayetteville, AR.
Susan,
You took the most wonderful care of your mother that any child could possibly give. You, UNSELFISHLY and TIRELESSLY devoted your time, your vacation days, your home and your heart to make sure she received the BEST care possible. I cannot even imagine the many days of work you had to miss in order to make sure your Mom made it to her Oncology appointments. Her health ALWAYS came first in your life no matter how many hours you had worked that day or how exhausted you were and yet you still managed to make her wholesome, home cooked meals for every day of the week.You put aside your own life and plans to make her life the very BEST it could be given her medical situation. She was an incredibly nice lady who had a heart of gold, unbelievable determination/motivation to beat cancer and in the process trying to help other cancer patients by participating in clinical trials and by inspiring them with her warm and upbeat attitude. I NEVER once saw her without a smile on her face or a kind word to be said. I, greatly enjoyed the many holidays that I and my family were able to share with you and your mother. She was extremely proud of you and extremely thankful for everything you did for her. She instilled in you the traits she possessed by making you a caring, inspiring and generous human being who is always ready to lend a helping hand to others in need. I am so very sorry for your loss. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if we can help you in any way.
Love,
Denice Roberts and Marty Stamps
We at Shipley Motor Equipment Company feel that we have lost a family member. Jay Elvins has work with us for many years and we feel the family’s loss. Our prayers go out to all the family members to help them through this time.
Thelma was a joy to know. She enlivened the Coping and Conversation meetings at the Cancer Support Home with her spirit, her humor. She has been missed these past meetings. Her demonstrated faith has made her whole again. My prayers continue for you kids thru this transition into a whole new change in your daily activities. We all loved her…..Pat O
Susan, We are so sorry about your Mom. Please know we are sending you and your family our love and prayers. Please also know we are here if you need anything. Hugs Brooke & Jean