Thelma Brown Wells, 88, of Burgaw passed gently from her earthly life on Friday, May 6, 2016 at Pender Memorial Hospital with her beloved family by her bedside.

She was born April 11, 1928 in Forsyth County, the daughter of the late John Gideon Vanhoy and Dora Sapp Payne. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Henry A. Brown who died in 1988. She later married James "Buck" Wells who died in 2000. Also remembered are her step-sons, Edwin L. Brown and Henry A. Brown, Jr., and brothers, John Vanhoy, Gene Payne and Ray Payne, all who preceded Thelma in death.

Thelma is survived by her daughters, Ann B. Land (Jim) and Della B. Dewar (David); son, Thomas "Tommy" S. Brown (Kathy); grandchildren, Nathan Murray (Lauren), Matthew Dewar (Ariana), Magan Gray and Kayla Gray; numerous other grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Ann Yountz (Jerry) and Kay Adams (Bill); brothers, Vance Vanhoy, Kenneth Vanhoy (Helen), and Rufus Vanhoy; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Thelma was a member of Burgaw Presbyterian Church for over 50 years and most recently had been a member of New Covenant Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Thelma was a lady of courage, strength, compassion, and strong Christian values who cherished her family. To Thelma, age was just a number as she could relate to any generation. Thelma was famous for her homemade desserts, which she shared lovingly with anyone in need or struggling with a problem in life. Thelma always had a smile on her face, a hand stretched out to help others, and a heart ready to show the love of Christ within her. Thelma's presence will not only be missed in her family circle, but in her beloved weekly prayer group.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Will Davis will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Burgaw Cemetery.

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Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.