Thelma Jean Caldwell, 68, of Gilbertsville, died Friday, August 25th, 2017 at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis, IL. Thelma was born on February 9th, 1949 in Florence, Alabama to James Bennett Lovelace and Thelma Marie Rodgers. She gave birth to her daughter, Wendy Kay Smith in 1965. She later married Drew Smith and had two sons, David Wayne Smith and Ronald Drew Smith. Later she married the love of her life, Kenny Lynn Caldwell in 1976 and have been married for 41 years. In 1985 they moved to Douglas, Wyoming where they lived for 31 years. Since then, they have moved back to Ky. lake area for retirement and achieved Thelma and Kenny’s dream of moving back to a beautiful life on the lake where they raise their two grandsons, David and Dillon Smith.
Thelma was an avid fisherwoman who loved being on the lake and sinking a worm or two. She was loved by everyone she came in contact with. Her smile, laughter, and upbeat personality was very contagious. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone she made friends with into her home and made them feel like family. She loved unconditionally and never judged anyone based on their social status. She was the most selfless woman with family, friends, and strangers.
Thelma is survived by her husband, Kenny; one daughter, Wendy Kay Carr; one son, Ronald Drew Smith; four brothers, Harold Lovelace and three children, Lauri, Scott, and Amy, Norman and Lynn Lovelace and three children, Kimberly, Nicole, and Sean, Charles and Gloria Lovelace and two children, Connie and Chris, and Kenny and Ginger Lovelace and three children, Robin, Shelly, and Kenny; three grandsons, Frankie Theodore Rand, David James Smith and Dillon Edward Lynn Smith; mother in law, Elsie Caldwell; sister in law Linda Caldwell Trube and two children, Dale and Judy; Brother in law Terry Caldwell, brother in law Jerry Caldwell and four children, Nicholas, Joshua, Bailey, and Tanner; and several great nieces and nieces.
Thelma was preceded in death by her oldest son, David Wayne Smith; her mother, Thelma Marie Rodgers; and her sister, Debra Gail Zupan.
Friends may visit the family on Tuesday, August 29th, 2017 at Lindsey Funeral Home from 4pm until 7pm. Funeral services will begin at 7pm following visitation with Rev. Todd Hawkin officiating.
Lindsey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.lindseyfuneral.com
