SMITHFIELD - Thelma Irene Parrish Arthur, 88, passed away Feb. 27, 2008, in Riverside Convalescent Center in Smithfield, after a short illness. Thelma was born in Victoria, Va., to the late Edward and Nannie Parrish. Thelma worked at the Mica Plant in Newport News and the Continental Can Co. for several years before giving it all up for a bountiful garden that kept her busy. She also loved to crochet and go camping. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Stephen L. Arthur; and two brothers, Archie and Levi Parrish. Thelma leaves to cherish her memory one son, Edward "Ed" and wife Drema of Smithfield (with whom she made her home for the past 7 years) and one daughter, Nancy Worrell and husband Bruce of Farmville, Va. Her grandchildren are Christopher and Eric Bjelland, Suzanne Hamilton, Michael Worrell, Duane and Randy Arthur; great-grandchildren are Nicholas and Kendall Arthur, Andrew Henderson, Rebecca Haughton, Stephanie and Cody Arthur, Jennifer and Erica Bjelland; and two great-great-grandchildren, Ashley Worrell and Bryce Haughton. Thelma was the oldest living member of Smithfield Christian Church. She loved the people and was faithful in her attendance until her health rendered her unable to attend services. Visitation will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in Colonial Funeral Home with a life celebration service to follow at noon. The Rev. Jack Perry will be officiating. Interment will be in St. Luke's Memorial Park. There will be a reception in Smithfield Christian Church immediately following the services, provided by Smithfield Christian Church and Harvest Fellowship Baptist Church. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Smithfield Christian Church Building Fund, 18420 Battery Park Road, Smithfield, VA 23430.


Published in The Virginian Pilot from 2/28/2008 - 2/29/2008.