Thelma B. Williams

On July 4, 2023, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA, Thelma Bushrod Williams departed this life after a lengthy battle with an illness. Thelma was the youngest girl of eleven children, born to the late Harry and Gracy Brown Bushrod in Westmoreland County, Virginia in 1937. She was educated in King George County Public Schools and graduated from Ralph Bunche High School, which is the first integrated high school in King George County, VA.

In 1970, Thelma met the love of her life, Herman McNeal Williams “Mack”. They were married for 43 years. Thelma had one son, John Walter Bushrod aka “Mann” whom she adored.

Thelma dedicated her life to Christ at a young age. She was an active member of Macedonia Baptist Church of Colonial Beach, VA, where she served faithfully in various ministries until her demise. She was a Deaconess and Missionary and served as secretary to both ministries. She was a member of the Women’s Choir and served as a dining room attendant in food service ministry.

Thelma was a true example of scripture fulfilled. She embodied Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” She shared her gift of love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness in every deed she performed.

Thelma enjoyed multiple careers. In November 1976, she began working at the Naval Base at Dahlgren as a custodian. Despite the contract changing multiple times, her employment was continuous for almost 47 years. In April 2023, she retired from Alutiiq Commercial Enterprises, a contracting company and employer. Thelma was a dedicated employee and continued to work while battling an illness. Upon her retirement, the Technical Director of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division gifted her a Technical Director’s coin to show their appreciation for exceptional support and job well done. Although Thelma was not a federal government employee, it was a great honor to receive this coin as a civilian.

Additionally, Thelma worked for the White Packing Company in Dogue, VA, and as a housekeeper for the Dennison family in King George, VA.

Thelma was loved by many whom she encountered. She left a memorable impression on people at Dahlgren, the bank, the grocery store, the church, the doctor’s office, family, etc. She had the most generous heart, an infectious laugh, a humble spirit, but was no pushover.

Amongst Thelma’s spiritual gifts, serving was a major part of her life. She was an exceptional cook and known for her many delicious dishes especially her “delectable” corn pudding. She used her gift of cooking during family gatherings, and on very special occasions. The dinner was not complete unless Thelma’s corn pudding was on the menu. In addition to cooking, she was a loving caregiver. This was demonstrated in the way she tended to her brother William, and her husband Mack during their later years.

Colossians 3:23-24, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Thelma was an avid fan of drag racing. In fact, she won a trophy for participating in an unofficial neighborhood drag race with friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Herman McNeal Williams; her son John Walter (“Mann”) Bushrod, and 9 of 11 siblings: John Bushrod, Violet Bushrod, William Bushrod, Pearl Smith (Benjamin Smith), Julia Murphy (William Murphy), Luellen Bushrod (Bertha Bushrod), Samuel Bushrod (Teeny Bushrod), and Russell Bushrod.

Thelma leaves to cherish her memory two sisters, Annie Bushrod and Clarice Hairston, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.