Obituary of Thelma Marshall

Thelma Isola Marshall was born in the beautiful Island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on November10, 1938 to Marie Wiseman and Aubrey Hinds. On Sunday April 26, 2020 at 1:10 am, after a weeks stay and one hell of a fight, God called home one of his most devoted warriors and true Angels. Thelma was 81 years old. Nicknamed Thelma-Lou by her children, she lived a full life. Thelma lost her mother at the young age of just 8, a loss she never got over, she always expressed that the loss had her skip several childhood steps and forced her to mentally and physically mature into a grown up before most. After completing her levels of schooling in the Caribbean, Thelma went on to England to complete her studies in Nursing. Her real adventures wouldn't begin until after moving to New York City in the early 60's, where she quickly caught the eye and was courted by her late husband, Herman Marshall. Herman and Trhelma married on September 2, 1962, bought their first home in Brooklyn, NY and quickly started a family giving birth to her first child literally on her anniversary September 2, 1963. While settling into being a wife, a new mom and change of career, Thelma quickly realized how fast the tides can turn, now adding another bundle of joy just nine months after the birth of her son, she gave birth to a daughter in October of 1964, yes she now lived the definition of "Irish twins". In not having the honor of but 8 years with her mother, and not having that motherly advice of do's and don'ts of motherhood, yet Thelma always knew the type of mother she wanted to be if she had the honor of having children. Thelma was the spoiler, she never wanted to be the parent to have to say no we can't afford it. She expressed how hard it is to be a young, working mom and raising practically twins, she was completely content with having just two kids, mainly because she was blessed one of each, boy and girl. Both Thelma and Herman worked very hard, Thelma holding as many as 3 jobs to provide a strong nurturing environment for her children. Well, God had a different plan, to her surprise 5 years down the road after her second child, (an oops baby) would add another baby girl, born on the unique date of 6/6 of 69 to complete tha Marshall clan. With more space needed they purchased a bigger home and moved to Queens, NY. Thelm was loved by all. She was bright, funny, hard working, sarcastic and a real force to be reckoned with. Her childgrn and grandchildreen were her life. Thelma tried to be so strict, but really she was a push-over, especially with those grandchildren. No one was good enough to watch her grandchildren, sometimes she would have them all at once and they all wanted to sleep with her, she was crouched up in the corner of the bed to give them all room. She enjoyed being everyone's Momma and Grandma. She told you off if you needed that and she comforted you too if that's what you also needed. Now just know if you messed with her family she was coming, and it wouldn't be pretty, that could be dressed or even in a girdle (as she had done) after you. Thelma was big on forgiveness, she said learn to forgive not for the other person, but forgive to free you. Thelma was the cook of the century and she loved to stuff everyone, she taught her kids to always share your food. God will keep your supply multiful; the famous saying repeated was "to never break a bread by yourself, always share it, God will multiply the amount for you later", therefore no one was allowed to leave her home hungry. Everyone knew her cooking, it's so funny to see all the wonderful prayers and comfort messaging all include how everyone will miss her food. Her personality was infectious, she could light up a room. It's such a blessing that she lived such a long full life and was able to bask in all the accomplishments of her kids and grandchildren and she let it be known everywhere how PROUD she was. Be it a graduation, a recital, even the closing of their homes, she was the only voice you would hear in the room. In working so many jobs it became pretty hard to enjoy travel in her early years, so planting became her main activity, when she was finished taking care of the plants at her house she camo over to fix and care for the plants at yours. Thelma made up for her lack of travel, after 20 years as a Bank Supervisor of Bank Leumi in Manhattan, she retired and woould be known as the knapsack of the family, "you never left home without her". You just have to say you're going away, and she would say "just give me the date, I'll be ready". Thelma's sense of humor was uncanny making her a joy to be around; even in the days before we lost her, there was a face-time practically everyday with all the family and on this particular one her granddaughter that she referred to as "My Kiyah" asked her what's the matter, Thelma stated back "she just didn't feel well" and Kiyah pressed on and said "Grandma but what's wrong?" and in a typical Thelma moment of sarcasm had her reply ready she said "I'm pregnant" everyone including the nurse was hysterical laughing. It's those trigger words, the sarcastic comments and just her boldness, that will never be forgotten. Thelm-Lou leaves to mourn, her 3 children Nicholas, Deborah and Gailene, 1 stepdaaughter Hyacinth, 5 granddaughters Letitia, Rayshawn, Rakiyah, Tia and Kayla, 3 grandsons Jahwun, Isaiah and Daeon, 3 greatgrands Nyairah, Caniyah and Kingston, 2 sons-in-law, Kevin and Charles, 1 daughter-in-law Felita, 1 sister Stella Venner of Brooklyn, 1 brother Randolph Hinds of London, 1 aunt Teresa and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends Any pain or grief is over, every restless tossing passed, she is now at peace forever. Safely home in heaven at last. Thelma-Lou we will carry your memory forever in our hearts.