Thelma Fernandes

Thelma (Hudson) Fernandes, 94, of Tulsa, OK and formerly of Jacksonville, died Sunday, September 25, 2011, in Tulsa. She was born February 18, 1917, near Manchester, the daughter of Clayton and Ada (Ballard) Hudson of Manchester. Thelma married Walter H. Fernandes Jr. on March 4, 1937, in Beardstown, and he preceded her in death August 16, 1985. To this union two daughters were born, Sharon Pike (husband Robert) of Tulsa, OK and Linda Elsberry (husband Jim) of Tulsa, OK. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Kristen Walton (husband Jim) of Tulsa, OK and Lisa Symsack (husband Steve) of Jenks, OK, and six great- grandchildren: Hunter, Callie, Colt Freeman and Sara Walton. Alysa and Evan Symsack. Mrs. Fernandes was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: Raymond, Francis, and Dale Hudson, and two sisters: Idella Clayton and Norma Moergen. Thelma was a graduate of Jacksonville High School with the class of 1934. She was employed by Sears in Jacksonville and Tulsa, OK as a saleslady for 17 years. She was a member of the Manchester Baptist Church, Morgan County Garden Club of Jacksonville, The Fun Time Seniors, and the Home League Club of the Salvation Army. She enjoyed her many hobbies of flowers, birds, and cooking. She also had many friends. She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals for many years. She was voted Valentines Day Queen by the residents of the assisted living community in Tulsa where she resided for the past 18 months. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2011, at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at East Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 11 a.m. Saturday until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Jacksonville Food Bank or Salvation Army.