Obituary of Thelma Bernice Barnes

Thelma Bernice Barnes Life Story….. Thelma Bernice Barnes was born on February 7, 1934, in Durham, North Carolina to Bernice Lee Suitt and Theodore Roosevelt Suitt (both preceded her in death). Thelma was the first-born child of her parents and was described by her mother, "as the most beautiful baby she had ever seen". Thelma even won her 1st beauty contest as an infant. Just a short 11 months later was the arrival of her younger sister Christine Russell (who preceded her in death). Thelma also had a younger brother Leonard Bryant (who preceded her in death). Having younger siblings was always like having instant best friends. In 1943, Thelma's family moved to Philadelphia as part of the "Second Great Migration", relocating from the rural south to the urban north. Nine year old Thelma was mesmerized by the "Big City of Brotherly Love". She was educated in the Philadelphia School Systems entering 4th grade at Frederick Douglass Elementary School. She started Thomas FitzSimons Junior High School in 7th grade. However, Thelma was skipped two grades, from 7th grade to 9th grade. Then she attended Kensington High School for Girls. After High School Thelma seized an opportunity to move to Baltimore to help with a family members business. Baltimore was a sweet haven filled with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Thelma loved being amongst the maternal side of her family and relished the love that she was given. Because Thelma wasn't a big fan of her name, she adopted the nickname of Terry. In her early 20's Terry started working at a restaurant in Baltimore called Rice's Inn and met her future spouse Frederick Douglas Barnes. Ironically, her husband had the same name as her elementary school. Terry had five loving children; Deborah Bush, Derf Barnes (preceded her in death), Wendy Watson, Darryl Barnes and Kealey Johnson. Terry was an early pioneer in the civil rights movement. She attended many sit-ins, protest and marches for black Americans to have equal rights and the right to vote. Terry enjoyed a multitude of jobs during her working years. She once worked at Spring Grove, a psychiatric hospital in Baltimore. She shared many stories of her patient care during that time. Terry returned to Philadelphia in the mid 60s and worked at the Cherry Levi - Slim Jim factory which she brought home loads of Slim Jims for her children to enjoy. Terry prided herself in working for the City of Philadelphia as a community social worker, where she advocated and helped many families throughout the city to receive necessary resources. Ms. Terry, as she was commonly known as, was adored in her community and highly respected. Terry was kind, gentle, patient and caring for those around her. Family was very important to Terry as she and her children spent most holidays with her sister Christine's family and her mother Bernice. Terry's grandchildren and great grandchildren were the apple of her eyes. Each one having a special and unique bond with Terry as she nurtured and filled them with motherly love. Terry was infamous for teaching her children and grandchildren to be the best at whatever job they performed and to be prompt for school and work was imperative. Terry understood the importance of education and instilled in her children to use their intellect as a weapon that could never be taken away. Not only did she expect the best from her children, but she taught them to expect the best for themselves. Likewise, Terry was an avid reader and enjoyed challenging cross word puzzles too. Terry was a fantastic cook. Creating delicacies in Italian, Chinese and Soul food cuisines. Terry leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter Deborah Bush (Prentice A. Bush I), her daughter Wendy Watson (Robert Watson), her son Darryl Barnes and her youngest daughter Kealey Johnson (Kevin Johnson). Grandchildren: Prentice A. Bush II, Shawna Barnes, Dominique Bush, Calandria Watson, Darryl Barnes, Jr, Khyla Barnes and Taylor Black. Great grandchildren: Ajeyhia Brown, Alicia Brown, Ayla Barnette, Aidan Barnette and Shiloh Barnes. Terry also leaves to mourn a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Special acknowledgments for Terry's caregivers: granddaughter Shawna Barnes, great niece Tiffany Smith and two great granddaughters Ajeyhia and Alicia Brown. Sorrowfully Submitted, The Family