ATMORE – Thelma Holt Brown transitioned from labor to reward on May 30, 2013.

A native of Atmore, Thelma was born on March 7, 1925, to Nathaniel and Mattie Rheutelia (Hines) Holt.

With a passion for education, she attended college at Alabama State College for Negroes (now known as Alabama State University), where she received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. After college, she began teaching in Escambia County, Ala.

She was a member of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church of Atmore until she met and married Lonnie Brown and moved to Monticello, Miss. As one of the first teachers in the Lawrence County Seminary, she also taught in the Lawrence County School System for 31 years. Many of her students still remember her as a firm teacher who demanded excellence from all of her students.

She was a devoted Christian woman who loved the Lord. She was an active and committed member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Monticello, where she held positions as a member of the Mothers Board, deaconess, church trustee, church secretary, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School director, Junior Mission director and first director of junior choir. She also served as past president of the Women Department of the Lawrence County Association. Those who knew her heart understood that it was at home and at church that God used her to bless the lives of generations.

Her husband, Lonnie Brown; two brothers, Joseph and Isaac; and two sisters, Mary and Minnie Della preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memories her brother, Johnnie (Carmen) Holt of Springfield, Va. and a host of nieces, nephews family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2013, at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church.  Interment will be held in Stallworth Cemetery. Viewing will be held at 10 a.m. before the 11 a.m. service.

Pallbearers will be Percival Etheridge, Ricardo Johnson, John Holt Jr. Anthony Gilmore, Jerry Johnson, Anthony Charles and flower bearers will be family and friends.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.