Thelma Frances Kelley Worthen of Sheridan, Arkansas, formerly of Pine Bluff, was born March 20, 1920 in Pine Bluff, the daughter of the late Euklin Lafayette and Lela Pearl Phillips Kelley. She attended Sulphur Springs School in Jefferson County. She was a member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Watson Chapel and was retired from Simmons Bank. Thelma was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She loved gardening and growing and enjoying flowers. She liked to sew and had a passion for music that was shared by others in her family.

Mrs. Worthen died Monday, September 20, 2004 at Sheridan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 84.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Houston Worthen who she married on August 18, 1944, her brother, Charles E. Kelley and a sister, Ruby Creed.

Survivors are her sisters; Clara Falls of Pine Bluff, Grace and husband James Lawrence of Sherwood, nieces; Geraldine Boyd and Charlene Holloway, both of Sheridan, Dorothy Wray of Oregon, Debra Holmberg of Hobbs, New Mexico and Vickie Kennedy of North Little Rock. Nephews; John P. Kelley and Gary Kelley, both of Sheridan, David Falls of Pine Bluff and Wayne Creed of Prattsville.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. O. J. Ramick and Bro. Michael Walton officiating. Burial will follow at Providence Cemetery near Sulphur Springs. Visitation: 6-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Home Care of Arkansas 3067 W. 28th, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603.
Pallbearers: Sonny Glover, Buford Green, Howard Smith, Jesse Worthen, Robert Boyd, Layman Harris. The family will be at the home of Robert and Geraldine Boyd, 28 Carolyn Road in Sheridan. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870)942-1306.
To sign online www.memorialgardenssheridan.com