Ms. Thelma J. Martin

Thelma Joyce Martin was born on May 30, 1958, in St. Louis, MO. Growing up in a single-parent household, Thelma was raised by her mother, Louise Williams, who faced the unimaginable loss of three children in a tragic house fire. Thelma never met her siblings: Hazel (age 4), Daisy May (age 2), and Eugene (9 months). Despite this early heartache, Louise later welcomed Thelma and three other daughters into the family: Mary Katherine Burns, Angela Kirtdoll, and Wanda Jean Williams. In this close-knit household, Thelma learned the importance of faith from her mother at an early age. This foundational experience nurtured a deep love for others and a strong connection to her maternal grandparents, sisters, and aunts. During her teenage years, Thelma spent time on the family farm, tending to chickens and completing various household chores. One summer, she even had a memorable encounter with a giant hog that chased her near the farm. Like many adolescents, Thelma's curiosity and adventurous spirit led her to create countless cherished memories. After going to high school and later earning her GED, Thelma pursued her passion for helping others by becoming a certified nursing assistant. This career choice reflected her large heart and the love she received from her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In 1978, at the age of 20, Thelma moved from St. Louis to Denver, CO. By this time, she had already welcomed three children into the world, with a fourth on the way nine years later. Thelma is survived by her children: Kerry, Shanay Bryant, Nathaniel Jerome Fell III, Shametrius Joyce James, and Anthony Joel Pollard Jr. Thelma's greatest joy came from helping others. Her love for service was intertwined with her faith, which she expressed through her baptism in her home church in St. Louis. This experience gave her a profound sense of purpose and fueled her passion for connecting with people, often striking up conversations with strangers. Her children would sometimes shy away during these interactions, but it was heartwarming to witness her joy in these small connections. Throughout her life, Thelma remained dedicated to serving others, whether through sharing the gospel, ministering, or guiding people in their spiritual journeys. She worked in various roles, including at a dry cleaner, nursing homes, and senior care facilities. Additionally, Thelma had a special affinity for plants, often playfully warning anyone who came too close to them with a stern look that only a mother or grandmother could give. In her later years, Thelma was re-baptized at Colorado Christian Fellowship (CCF) on July 14, 2022, reaffirming her faith. CCF became her church home until her passing on July 20, 2025. During this time, she deepened her relationship with Christ and shared her love of prayer with her children and grandchildren: Aviance Bryant, Grady Bryant III, Essence Castro, Kierra McClain, Allen James, Nathaniel Fell IV, Xena Fell, Ziggy Fell, Emily Gogerty, Destini Fell, and Jayden Eppes. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Victoria Castro, Bayron Castro, and Ivannah Bryant. Thelma Joyce Martin will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her boundless love for her family and others, and the joy she brought to everyone she encountered. In this time of sorrow, we leave you with one of her favorite scriptures. Revelation 21:4-6 KJV, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.