Thelma Virginia (Robertson) Weems, formerly of Altus passed away at the age of 97 3/4 years old on December 13 ,2024. She lived her life with Faith, Family and Friends. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Thelma Virginia Robertson was born on the family farm in Woodland, Mississippi. She was the eighth child of a family with eleven children who were a great source of happiness, orneriness and inspiration to devoted loving parents John and Virginia (Hill) Robertson. Her precious sister Dora Harris currently resides in the Memphis area. Her brothers Wilfred, Leon, and Jay, and sisters Vera, Levon, Lorene, Evelene, Gladys and Nora preceded her in death. Thelma was delighted to continue her visits back to see her precious family in Mississippi over her many years. She joyfully recalled how she had loved climbing trees and playing in the garden as a child.
Thelma graduated from Woodland High School as the salutatorian. Proudly wearing her high school class ring purchased by Papa when he sold a cow to celebrate her accomplishment, she took a Greyhound bus to Memphis using her sharpened business skills. Her first job was secretary at the Memphis Elevator. Thelma met her husband John Weems on a blind date. He had recently returned to Memphis from Europe after World War II. They married in 1944 and celebrated their wedding hosted generously by his boss from a private detective agency at the Peabody Hotel. A few years later, John rejoined the USAF. John and Thelma served in eight different states and Japan. They were the proud parents of five healthy children John Wylie, Marion Lee, James Collins, Sharon Gayle and Stephen Mark.
Thelma and John had twelve grandchildren John III, Jimmy, Dustin, Misti, Kristen, Cari Ann, Micah, Anna Lyse, Skylar, Meredith, and Kirsten. Thelma’s husband, son James Collins and grandson Nathan Mark preceded her in death.
Being a military wife provided Thelma opportunities to live in six states plus a tour of duty in Japan. In her retirement years, she fulfilled a lifetime dream traveling to the Holy Land. She also enjoyed an adventure to Scotland. Yes, she appreciated people of numerous nationalities with cultures and traditions.
Thelma enjoyed gardening and sewing for many years,”Good friends are like quilts. They never lose their warmth.” A favorite rhyme to recite was, “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other gold.”
Thelma, John and Family were members of First Baptist Church in Altus when moving there in 1963. She had been raised in a Christian home and faithfully enjoyed teaching Sunday School so children could learn, “Jesus Loves the Little Children”and “Jesus Loves Me”. In addition, she assisted with missions in Sunbeams and Acteens, as well as helping with Homebound. She stated she did prefer children’s company as she thought they had the most joy in their hearts.
Her favorite holiday may have been Halloween as she her favorite as she made numerous costumes for her grandchildren, even continued to dress up in costume when she was in her 90s. However, it was devotion and loyalty that were a testament to her Faith and her Love. She had great pride celebrating the holidays of our United States of America as her brothers, husband, son, grandsons and great-grandson served the nation. She greatly appreciated their service which included being an active member of American Legion Auxillary making lap quilts and baking cookies for Veterans in VA Hospitals. Most pleasing was being Poppy Chairman for the American Legion Auxiliary to raise funds for Veterans with donations for poppies and poppy boards in the spring and through Memorial Day weekend. Her beautiful smile with sparkling eyes will be missed by her family and those who knew her precious golden heart. May these words fill your heart, “As I have loved you, Love one another.” John 13:34
Memorial service with
Burial will follow in the Altus Cemetery in Spring 2025.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Veteran’s home or Children’s home of your choice.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441