Thelma Mollie Benyard

Ocean Breeze Spray was sent for Thelma Mollie Benyard - March 15, 2024

Send flowers for Thelma Mollie Benyard

Red and White Floor Basket was sent for Thelma Mollie Benyard - March 14, 2024

Ocean Breeze Spray was sent for Thelma Mollie Benyard - March 14, 2024

Daniel Huston planted 5 trees in memory of Thelma Mollie Benyard . - March 14, 2024

Plant trees for Thelma Mollie Benyard

I was saddened to hear of Thelma's passing.Thelma and I were in the same homeroom in high school at Huntington. Rest in sweet peace. Laura Jones HHS Class of 1967

Hello,from another HHS Class'67 classmate, Velma Corbin. My thoughts, prayers and love flow out to you during this time of sadness and joy; as we reflect and remember the life of a beautiful woman whose smile alone just drew you into this sweet safe place. Thelma was one of my dearest friends at Huntington High School, and I thought her, one of the prettiest, smartest and sweetest of my high school friends. I admired her even then. One of the funniest things to both of us while in high school was that we were always being confused with each other. I was often called Thelma Corbin, Thelma Courtney or Velma Courtney and she experienced the same confusion. We thought it the funniest thing ever because we also thought that we didn't look anything alike.😁 Sometimes, we'd see each other in the hallway and just laugh and ask each other, "who are you today? " Sometimes, I'd just say, I'm Thelma Courtney and she say, "that makes me Velma Corbin."🤣 I'd like to share another memory and I'm glad we can't get punished for things we did back then. But even as I share this memory, our being bad wasn't really all that bad when I think about it now🙄. This is one of my memories I love;the only time I played hooky in high school was during my senior year, when, guess who?, Thelma, Ella and I left school to go to Ella's house. Somehow, we got our hands on a pack of cigarettes and ẅent to try and smoke and drink some wine. None of us smoked but thought it was cool, I guess. We all looked ridiculous trying to show each other the right way to hold a cigarette and look cool doing it. We were so sad. 😬 I remember Ella's Mom came home unexpectedly and caught us, trying to hide behind chairs and a couch. Of course, we got caught and please picture us having to stand up from behind things that didn't really hide us;looking as sheepish as all get out and not being able to say a thing in our defense. We were so stupid🤣. We got a tongue lashing but I don't remember her getting really upset with us, I think, because we looked so pathetic.😆 We really thought we were doing something that day!But, we never tried that again! Thelma and I talked about talked everything and I remember her giving me advice on many personal things às well as all the stuff going on at school.I'm so sorry that we allowed time and distance to get in the way of treasuring and maintaining our friendship. But the most important thing to me is that the love, the times we shared and the memories we made will never die and will live forever in my thoughts and my heart. With all my love, Velma "The world changes from year to year. Our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you,shall never pass away." 🥀🥀UNKNOWN🥀🥀

Thelma was a friend and neighbor for more than thirty years. I enjoyed her intelligence, humor and wit and our conversations. I will remember you, Thelma. Frank Curcio

Thelma was a BIG genealogy advocate and an active member in the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society's (MVGS) African-American special interest group. Thelma shared her enthusiasm for family with all she came in contact with. Because of her, others have joined the group and enrolled in MVGS training courses.

Our sincere condolences to the family. May your memories of Thelma bring smiles to your face when remembering her sweet soul. We are forever grateful for her sharing her knowledge and encouraging others to "find their roots."

Carol Campbell President Mount Vernon Genealogical Society www.mvgenealogy.org

Rest well my dear friend. See you on the other shore.

Thelma was a member at the senior center(s) where I work. Every time she came in, I got excited because she was hilarious, witty, and determined. I loved hearing her stories ❤️ She had such a direct and honest way with words. I will miss seeing you, Thelma! And to Thelmas family, I am very sorry for your loss, and wishing you peace at this time.

Theresa Scalzo

Thelma our downstairs neighbor for 14 years, glad my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting you. Will miss having you call me down to chance out some burnt out light bulbs lol....may your soul rest in peace until we meet again Danny and Rita

I first met Thelma in the fall of 1962 when we began High School as classmates. She became a very close friend, in part, because of my very close friendship with one of her dear friends, Velma Corbin Person. Thelma was very smart and had a great personality. She endeared herself to everyone around her.

The passage of time and distance frequently cause great friendships to wither, and that is what happened to Thelma and me. That is unfortunate because we laughed, joked, and had wonderful times as very good friends, and I missed that great friendship from afar. Heaven has now received my very good friend, and she will embrace all who are there with open arms.

I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Thelma whom I continued to consider my very good friend despite being miles apart.

Sincerely,

Walter A. Bowser

Remembering Thelma, Class of 1971. Hampton Institute/University! Rest in peace 🙏🏽

I'm eternally grateful that my family had the opportunity to spend some quality time with Thelma at her brother's family home this past Thanksgiving. Sending love to the family and my line sister Alicia. Kerwin, Faithea and Nelson

Thelma, we met some 27 years ago and from that day forward you were another mom and one of the funniest ladies I'd ever met. Thank you for blessing me with one of my best friends, a true sister & an extremely cute nephew. We've got them and you have a ball up in Heaven. Give my mom a big hug & kiss. Love you, Markeeta (#4) & Kianna

Mollie and I grew up together in Newport News. We would walk to Huntington High School every school day. As first cousins only one year apart in age, we did a little of things together. Mollie's passing has left a hole in our family's collective hearts. She will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace, dear cousin, until we see each other again in God's kingdom. Vivian Daughtry

I am saddened to hear of the passing of a sweet, kind friend. My condolences to her daughter and brother and all the family. Mollie, Claudia, and I were roommates at HU (then HI) for one year and friends throughout our four years together. Time has a way of separating us, but the bond remained even though we spoke infrequently. To the family, may God bless and comfort you. Janet Carter Crawley

Mollie you were definitely a ray of sunshine. Every time we spoke you put a smile on my face. I will ways keep those good times and laughs in my heart. LOVE YA CUZ Courtney

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