Thelma James Kirkpatrick

Thelma James Kirkpatrick – 72
Of Macon passed away Thursday, December 11, 2008 in Portland, Organ after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born June 20th, 1936 in Valdosta, Georgia. Thelma was the daughter of Albert James Sr. and Mary Booker of "Valdosta", Georgia. Thelma was one of seven children. She is survived by two sisters, Rosa Lee Thomas and Betty Jones of Macon, Georgia. Thelma is the mother Anthony Eric Goins, of Los Angeles, California, Ivan Goins, of Douglasville, Georgia, Hazelle "Pete" Jonathan Kirkpatrick Jr., of Jacksonville, Florida and Tiffany Marie Kirkpatrick-McKenna, of Portland, Oregon. Thelma was a grandmother of 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Thelma was raised in Valdosta, Georgia by her parents until she was 11 years old at which time, her mother, Mary Booker passed away, leaving her eldest sister and best friend, Rosa Lee Thomas to raise the other 6 children with their father Albert James. In her twenties, Thelma followed her sister to Miami, Florida, where she met and married Robert Goins, of Miami, Florida and had Eric and Ivan Goins. Thelma worked as a nurse in hospitals and in-home care services during her many years in the Miami Dade county area. In 1975, Thelma moved to Altadena, California, after she met and married Hazelle Jonathan Kirkpatrick Sr., of Charlotte, North Carolina. Thelma work at Hacienda Convalescent Center for more than 20 years as a nurse, after receiving her nursing degree at Pasadena City College in the early 80's. Thelma returned to Georgia for many years, at which time she worked as a Nursing Supervisor at Parkwood Development Center, assisting and advocating for younger disabled individuals. During those years Thelma was a compassionate caregiver and nursing professional, and spent many hours reading and teaching others about healthy lifestyles. Thelma was a devout Seventh-day Adventist, and ensured that her children had access to a Christian education, as long as they were in her care. Thelma was committed to community services within the church, and was an usher, deaconess and Patherfinder counselor for many years. Thelma believed strongly in giving to the Seventh-day Adventist World Missionary fund and gave generously, though she lived a very modest lifestyle. Thelma's presence, listening ear, advice and compassion for others less fortunate will be missed by her many friends, family and religious community, this includes her physicians and nurses, who worked so diligently to assist her both physically, emotionally and medically in her final days. Thelma is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins from coast to coast.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, December 17, 2008 in the Seventh-day Adventist of Valdosta with burial to follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until service time at the church.

Music Funeral Services of Valdosta is serving the Kirkpatrick family.