Thelma A. Brady

Thelma Brady was born in Bellevue to Elmer Brady and Ethel Jenkins. She was the oldest of three daughters, her sisters were Lillian and Linda.  She also had a brother named Walter. She attended Garfield High School and, at the age of 18, married Calvin Law III. Together, they had two children, Melody Maxine Law (Bagby) and Calvin Carl Law IV. She later married Carl Husbands.

Thelma worked as a clerk at Pay N Save and later as a custodian at ABA for over 10 years until her retirement. Despite her many accomplishments, Thelma never learned to drive, but that did not slow her down. 

Cooking was one of Thelma’s greatest passions. She had a talent for creating delicious meals, including homemade cakes, greens, cornbread, gumbo, fried chicken, hot water cornbread, tamale pie, spaghetti, and more. She didn’t enjoy eating at restaurants and often “doctored up” anything brought home to make it better. She loved hosting and entertaining at her home of over 30 years, often serving up barbecue on her deck. 

Thelma inspired many to cook with her unmeasured recipes, seasoned well and freely sharing her techniques with anyone willing to learn. She was a grandmother to 13 and a great-grandmother of 13 whom some lovingly called her GiGi.

Thelma’s friends were often younger by 10 years or more because they loved being around her lively spirit. She was known for being straightforward and had a signature style, always wearing clip-on earrings and beautiful lipstick, her favorite was red.  Her favorite colors were orange , lime green, and yellow.

Thelma’s generosity knew no bounds. She helped many people get back on their feet by offering them a place to stay in her one-bedroom home. She also had a deep love for the Word of God and enjoyed asking questions about the Bible. She loved attending events hosted by the Seed of Abraham Women’s Department. 

Over three years ago, Thelma was diagnosed with the chronic illness congestive heart failure. After enduring a long hospitalization and rehabilitation, she learned to take care of herself despite being told she only had nine months to live. Through many prayers, Thelma defied the odds. While she needed a heart transplant, her age disqualified her, so she underwent a valve repair but declined a defibrillator. 

Her journey with heart failure continued, and she was admitted to Swedish Cherry Hill with Stage 4 congestive heart failure and heart disease. Her heart could no longer function with medication, and surgery was no longer an option. Given six months to live, her heart function deteriorated from 10% to the point of transition. As her organs began to fail, Thelma shared that God told her she would not survive but would come to Him instead. 

Before she lost the ability to speak, Thelma accepted the Lord. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. Her boldness, generosity, and faith made her a one-of-a-kind woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. 

May her legacy of love and strength continue to inspire us all.

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