Thelma Virginia Lamm Pridgen, aged 93, passed peacefully into eternity on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Thelma was born at home in Black Creek, North Carolina, on March 21, 1921, to Lee Lamm and Celia Hayes Lamm. She was not expected to live, however, so her doctor did not record her birth until 1922.
Thelma had many interests in her long life. Foremost, she was a wife and mother. While her husband was overseas fighting in World War II, she worked in Rocky Mount Mills; she retired from Rocky Mount Undergarment. She was a self-taught home cook, beginning at the age of five when she prepared meals while her parents worked the farm. Her fried chicken and banana puddings were famous in her family and were always the first dishes emptied at family reunions. Thelma loved to quilt and gave each of her children and grandchildren a hand-made quilt when they married. These quilts are treasured now.
Thelma was an avid gardener and enthusiastic bird watcher and easily identified most of the native plants and birds that she spotted in her neighborhood. Flowers, however, were her special joy. She loved all the colors, shapes, scents and beauty that flowers gave to her.
Thelma was a member of Sunset Avenue Baptist Church for over forty-five years. She loved to teach Sunday School, study her Bible and talk about her love for God. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Thomas Guy Pridgen, Sr. and her son, Tommy Pridgen.
Thelma is survived by her daughters, Paulette Pridgen of Rocky Mount; Mary Pridgen Wood and her husband, Tommy of Elm City, NC; her son, Anthony Pridgen of Rocky Mount; her five grandchildren, Paul Robbins of Durham; Shannon Robbins of Raleigh; Jeff Wood of Rocky Mount; Ashleigh Weir of Farmville; and Marie Pridgen of Rocky Mount; nine great grandchildren and one great great grandson.
The family is very grateful to the staff at Sterling House in Rocky Mount for the loving and affectionate care they gave Thelma. She was fond of each and every staff member but was especially fond of Amy Leonard. A special place in the familys hearts is reserved for Robin Batchelor, her caregiver in her last weeks, and Nancy Lambeth of Nash General Hospitals Hospice Care. Nancy was unceasingly understanding, caring, kind and supportive to our mother and to us.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 20, at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, followed by the service at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Services will be led by The Rev. Lin Robinson of Rock Haven Baptist Church and The Rev. David Stanford of Sunset Avenue Baptist Church. Special music will be provided by her great grandson, Samuel Robbins of Durham, NC.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Rock Haven Baptist Church or to the building fund at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 9/20, 10:00 am
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 9/20, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Praying for you & your family…
Lit a candle in memory of Thelma Lamm Pridgen
Mrs. Pridgen was a loving, strong, woman! Heaven has gained a beautiful person!
Lit a candle in memory of Thelma Lamm Pridgen
Lit a candle in memory of Thelma Lamm Pridgen
tommy and family we were very saddened to hear of your loss just remember yall are sheltered in the arms of god please let us know if yall need anything we love ya jackie and samantha barnes
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. The Bible promises that very soon death will be done away with at Revelation 213,4. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. I hope the promises of the Bible can bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Lit a candle in memory of Thelma Lamm Pridgen