Thelma Lee "Ms. Tee" Swindler Thompson, 99 years young, came home Sunday, October 9, 2022, after an extended period of declining health.
She was born October 17, 1922, in Inman, SC to the late Eunice "Big Mom" Henderson and Whisters Swindler. Thelma grew up on a farm off Lawson Fork Rd. and Baswin Dr., where the family barn still remains, with the two of them and a younger brother George Swindler.
She was a lifelong member at Upper Shady Grove ever since it was a wooden church.
Thelma pride herself on education. She first graduated from Benedict College then received her masters at Indiana University. She also took courses at Fisk University and Columbia University in New York City to further pursue her ambition in library science. She was a teacher librarian at the Mary McLeod Bethune School off Park St; then retired at Mabry Junior High.
In her retirement, she was active in assisting Spartanburg County Public Libraries and the African Violet Society. She also was an actively engaged diamond member of the unparalleled, the remarkable Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Thelma is survived by her only daughter Tamara (Johnny) Mickler and dear grandson Caleb.
A Celebration of the Life of Thelma "Ms. Tee" Lee Swindler Thompson will be held on Monday, October 17, 2022 at 12:00 noon at Upper Shady Grove Baptist Church, Wellford, SC. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Ivy Beyond The Wall Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2022, from 4:30p.m. - 5:00p.m. at The John Stinson Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC.
J. W. Woodward Funeral Home
Eric Kearney sent Eternal Peace Basket for Thelma Thompson - October 16, 2022
To Caleb Mickler and Family. Our prayers are with you. Eric & Jan-Michele Kearney
Mischell E Woodson-Levey sent Sweet Moments for Thelma Thompson - October 14, 2022
May these flowers express what words never could. Sending you hugs and my deepest sympathies to Caleb Mickler and Family. Sincerely, Mischell Woodson-Levey
Robert Anderson sent Mixed Spray for Thelma Thompson - October 14, 2022
In loving memory of "Ms. Tee", Thelma Thompson a woman cherished and loved by us all.
Arnold and Nancy Anderson, Gina Hansen and Family, Major, Robyn, Diandra Parker and Family.
Lacarya Scott sent Stately Lilies for Thelma Thompson - October 14, 2022
Tamara, Johnny, and Caleb, condolences and prayers for your loss. You are my family. Love, Lacarya
May God continue to bless the family in all you do and say, God is good to us ALL the rime he only ask of us to Show,Give,and Have Luv with Gratitude and Thankutude. Luv to my Family Sandra Dargan { Pearl Wallace}.As always Don't let go of God's unchanging hands
My condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family and friends. Tammy,Caleb and Johnny, loving memories await you as you find healing in time. The things you cry about today, will make you laugh tomorrow. God bless. Frank Thomas Henry
My deepest sympathy to the Thompson family and friends. Tammy,Caleb and Johnny, may God strengthen and keep you in this time of loss. I pray that the Holy Spirit minister to your spirit.
Mack, Tammy, and Caleb may the everlasting arms of God comfort you during this time of loss. Mrs. Tee was a community icon for years and memories of her will last for years to come. She was always working to be sure her community was well informed. As Bethune's librarian , she made sure the children in her community had access to books all year. During the summer months she would open the library. We were so blessed to have in our community. So Much Love The Reeders (Robert, Willa and Family
My deepest condolences and love to Tamara, and the Thompson family. Mrs Thelma Thompson was the librarian at my Alma Mater, Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary and High School. A "Phenomenal Woman" indeed, and one of the many teachers and other educators who helped to shape our futures, teaching us and leading by example, to show us that we could achieve great things with education, determination and hard work. Rest In Peace "Ms Tee".🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾 Lucille Waddell & Family
My deepest condolences and love to Tamara, and the Thompson family. Mrs Thelma Thompson was the librarian at my Alma Mater, Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary and High School. A "Phenomenal Woman" indeed, and one of the many teachers and other educators who helped to shape our futures, teaching us and leading by example, to show us that we could achieve great things with education, determination and hard work. Rest In Peace "Ms Tee".🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾
I shared a memory but the site failed to identify me. Lady Tee sent me reading materials and we discussed them later. I shall miss her. Lonnie and Linda Pearson Goode
Having grown up in church with Mrs. Tee. I saw in her the career I wanted to pursue. She was a great encourager every step of the way. One of my fondest memories is the time we travelled to the state convention. I found her to be a powerhouse of wisdom. We discussed everything from men to money. After my retirement, I was fortunate to enjoy her "pigouts" at the fish camp. May you rest in peace my friend. Thelma T. Gossett-Bigsby
In loving memory of Thelma Thompson "Ms. Tee" the "Southern Belle". The Lord Jesus speaking to Martha in John 11 informs her that He is the resurrection and the life, and those that believe in Him "though he/she die, yet shall they live, and whosoever lives and believes in Him (Jesus) shall never die". Thelma has fought a good fight, she finished the course, she kept the faith: "henceforth there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness" (II Timothy 4:6-8). My family and I are so very grateful for all the years we spent in fellowship with Thelma. We are greatful for the life Ms. Tee lead, her note worthy traits of character, and the stimulating contributions she made to the lives of us all. For the high esteem in which she was held by many people; for the loyal devotion to her family, all relatives and friends, we are thankful and blessed. And I heard a voice from heaven saying......."Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labour's; and their works do follow them". Our Father, we entrust our beloved Thelma "Ms. Tee" whom we loved so dearly to Thy eternal care.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Arnold & Nancy Anderson; Gina Hansen & Family; Major, Robyn, Diandra & the Parker Family
To Tamara, Johnny and Caleb, May God's grace bring strength, comfort and healing in the time of sorrow. The community has lost a true pillar. We met Ms. "Tee" when we moved to Park Street from Laurens, SC. She was the first to come and welcome our family to the community. She was a awesome neighbor and friend. (Mark 12:31) May God continue to bless and keep her family. We love you (young lady) Marion & Gennie Makins and family
May God be with the family of Mrs Thelma Thompson .Cherish you precious memories. Our family remembers Mrs Thompson's Grandfather Mr Albert Henderson , our neighbor, Mrs Eunice Swindler 2nd grade teacher at Bethune,her husband ,Mr Swindler,Mrs Thompson our Librarian at Bethune and her daughter ,Tammy ,school mate at Bethune and USC .It has been a wonderful legacy to recall. Loraine Peterson Tracy and Family
Our condolences. The Gilliam's family
Although I never met Lady Tee, I heard about her from my friend, her grandson, Caleb Mickler. She seemed a strong, determined woman who lived a long, fulfilling life. Much Love, support and condolences to her family, friends and all who crossed her path. And So It Is. Namaste & Ashe...
My deep and heartfelt sympathy go out to the family of Mrs. Tee. She will never be forgotten. I can not think of Bethune High School without thinking of Mrs. Tee Thompson. I worked with her for a few years at Mabry Jr. High. She was the same thoughtful, caring and sincere person as I remembered her to be when I attended Bethune High. May you always cherish the memories you hold dear in your heart of Mrs. Tee. Over the years she even reminded me of the "Bethune High School song"B. Praying that The Most High bring you special comfort at this time. Dr Sadie Jackson & family.
Mrs. Thompson was in our lives for many years. She was my mother's teacher at Monk's Grove and my librarian at Mabry Jr. High. Mrs. Tee never did anything halfway. She always gave her all and her best. She had a caring heart for others and never bragged about what she gave to those in need. Our neighborhood will never be the same. We love you, Mrs. Tee. Lathan Golightly and Sarah Golightly
Lady Tee was a remarkable lady and friend. I cherished our long conversations where she was dispersing wisdom that only comes from living. It was always a treat to receive the information she would send me from time to time. We always had to discuss it so I knew my assignment when I received it. Rest well my friend. We shall not see another like you in our lifetime.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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