Thelma Brown Williams departed this life on September 17, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. She was the oldest child born to Gugare (pronounced Gur-gee) F. Thompson and Dora L. Thompson of Richlands, North Carolina.

Thelma received her elementary education in Richlands, North Carolina and her high school education at Douglass High School in Warsaw, North Carolina. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree in Education at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina and a Masters in Education from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina .

Upon graduation, Thelma returned to Douglass High School to teach seventh and eighth grades. After marrying Robert A. Williams, Jr., she moved to Greensboro and taught at Poplar Grove. Once the schools in Guilford County were integrated, she taught at Northeast Junior High School until she retired.

Thelma was a faithful member of St. James Presbyterian Church, where she was active in Presbyterian Women in the Congregation and the Sara Barber Circle, serving as the circle’s secretary for many years. She was also a member of the Golden Rays Exercise Class and an ordained deacon.

In addition to her role as an educator, Thelma enjoyed cooking, trying out special dishes, and entertaining her circle sisters in her home. After she was no longer able to participate in her circle due to health issues, Gary kept the members of the Sara Barber Circle informed, and he was adopted as an “honorary” member of the circle.

Her husband, Robert A. Williams, Jr., and her brothers, Joseph E. Thompson, Sr. and Walter F. Thompson, Sr., preceded Thelma in death.

Thelma is survived by her son, Gary L. Williams of Greensboro, NC; her sister-in-law, Astrid Thompson of Tacoma, WA; her niece, Julie Thompson of Greensboro, NC; and her nephews, Joseph E. Thompson, Jr. of Charlotte, NC, Corey (Tasha) Thompson of Greensboro, NC, Anthony Thompson of Tacoma, WA, Claude Thompson of Tacoma, WA, and Walter F. Thompson, Jr. of Tacoma, WA, as well as a host of cousins and friends.