Thelma Jean Smith of Delmar passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022, at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Feb. 15, 1935 in Salisbury, a daughter of the late Martha Taylor Stephens and William A. Stephens.
Known as Thelma to some and Jean to others, she grew up in Hebron and was the last surviving member of the Hebron High School class of 1953. After high school, Jean earned her degree in education at Salisbury State Teachers College. On June 7, 1958, she married her sweetheart, Carroll V. Smith and together they spent almost 50 years together until his passing in 2008.
She spent her younger years teaching at N. Salisbury Elementary School and then took some time off to raise her family. After her children had grown she returned to work at Little Red Hen Nursery and Pre-School in Delmar for several years. She was a long time, active member of Melson’s United Methodist Church in Delmar and a member of the Delmar Fire Department Auxiliary. She was a wonderful cook and especially loved to bake. She is remembered for her chocolate chip cookies, hummingbird cakes and her cherry cheesecakes.
Jean enjoyed working with her hands and could be found working outdoors in her yard and flowers or working on her crewel work or cross stitch projects. She also loved Sunday dinners out with friends and playing cards and was an avid reader. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend to many.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa C. Smith of Delmar; sister-in-law, Kay Stephens; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She also is survived by many dear friends, wonderful neighbors and her devoted church family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll V. Smith; son, Stephen T. Smith; brothers, Billy R. Stephens and Robert Lee Stephens, Sr. and his wife Pat; and her best friends that she grew up with, Ann Ball and Barbara Collins.
The funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, Aug. 4 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar. A visitation was to be held on Wednesday evening and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. The Reverend John Oltman will officiate. Interment will follow in Hebron Cemetery in Hebron,
In memory of Mrs. Smith, contributions may be sent to Melson’s United Methodist Church, 32694 Melson Road, Delmar, MD 21875.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.