Thelma Louise Surratt

Thelma Louise Surratt, a beacon of love and faith, passed away on August 3, 2025, at the age of 96, in Lakeland, Florida. Born on April 20, 1929, in Maitland, West Virginia, Thelma's life was a vivid tapestry woven with devotion to her family, a passion for creativity, and an unwavering spirit that inspired everyone she met.

Thelma's journey began as the cherished daughter of a West Virginia family, where she learned the values of love and kindness that would define her life. Her heart found its match not once, but twice-first with Roy E. Surratt, and later with John A. Sliger, both of whom preceded her in death. Their legacies live on through their beloved children, Jean K. Ensslin (Larry), Roy A. Surratt, Carol Stewart, and Jerry L. Surratt (Susan), who Thelma raised with a grace and strength that became her hallmark. Her love multiplied with the blessing of 19 grandchildren, and though four grandchildren and one great grandchild left this world too soon, their memories are cherished. The circle of joy continued to expand with the arrival of three great-grandchildren, each a spark of Thelma's enduring light.

Thelma was a sister among siblings, a treasured part of a large family that included Shelby Haskins, David Blankenship (Christeen), and Theodore Blankenship (Elva), along with nine siblings who had previously passed on. Together, they shared a bond that transcended time and distance, rooted in shared history and affection.

Though she took great pride in creating a warm and loving home, Thelma's spirit of curiosity and creativity soared beyond the walls of her house. She found solace in the pages of books, the stroke of a paintbrush, the delicate craft of quilting, and the comforting stories on the Hallmark channel. Her faith was nourished through the sermons of Jimmy Swaggart, and it was this faith that illuminated her path throughout her life.

To describe Thelma is to speak of love in its purest form-unconditional and all-encompassing. She was the embodiment of kindness, her gentle demeanor and warm smile a haven for those fortunate enough to cross her path. Her life was a testament to faith, not just in the divine, but in the inherent goodness of people and the beauty of life's journey.

The legacy Thelma leaves behind is not measured in material possessions, but in the immeasurable impact she had on the hearts of those she touched. Through her example, she taught us that life, with all its ebbs and flows, is a canvas upon which we have the power to create something beautiful. Her story encourages us to embrace each day with love, to find joy in simple pleasures, and to hold fast to faith through every chapter of our own lives.

As we bid farewell to Thelma Louise Surratt, let us carry forward the light she so freely gave. Let her life remind us that each act of kindness is a brushstroke on the canvas of humanity, and each moment of love is a thread in the quilt of our shared existence. May we honor her memory by living with the same love, kindness, and faith that she exemplified every day.