Thelma Tompkins Cantrell

July 8, 2010

Thelma Tompkins Cantrell, 84, of Russellville passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at ECM Hospital.

She was born in Franklin County, the oldest of four children and graduated from Belgreen High School.

The visitation will be 2 p.m. to3 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will follow at 3 p.m. at the chapel with Bro. Keith Barnett officiating.  Interment will be in Franklin Memory Gardens.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jakie Ray Cantrell; parents, William Strother and Ora Lucille Tompkins; brother, Cecil Tompkins; sister, Betty Jean Hester; nephew, Donald Clay.

She is survived by her sister, Willie Lou Clay, of Decatur; sister-in-laws, Betty Cantrell and husband, Gene, Norma Cantrell and husband, Thomas; special nieces, Sherry Patterson and husband, Mitch, of Gulf Shores, Patricia Cox and husband, Don, of Russellville; Leah Masterson and husband, Jeff, of Russellville; Janis Chesson and husband, Murray, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; special nephew, Ricky Clayand wife, Kathy, of Decatur; other nieces and nephews, Mary Jo Sanso, Cecilia Ramsey, John Tompkins, Tom Tompkins, Sherry Kay Waters; special cargiver, Cyndie Boyles; numerous other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nieces.

As a young woman, Ms. Cantrell worked for several years as a nurse at Russellville Hospital and still maintained the friendships she made with the other nurses.  In 1953, she married Jakie Ray Cantrell and they were happily married for 47 years until his death in 2000.  Mr. Cantrell was career Air Force and they lived at several USAF bases both in the United States and abroad during the course of his career.  She was employed by Civil Service and retired from Red Stone Arsenal in the early 80’s.  In 1985, they moved to Russellville to be near family.  She was able to renew old friendships and enjoy being part of family activities.

Ms. Cantrell was an avid reader and enjoyed books written by southern authors.  She loved sewing and cooking and was talented at both.