Thelma Louise Harvey

Homegoing Services For Thelma L. Harvey. September 17, 1935 - October 3, 2007. Friday, October 12, 2007. Visitation 9:00 AM, Service 10:00 AM. New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, 740 E. 77th Street, Chicago, IL 60619. Rev. Stephen J. Thurston, Senior Pastor; Rev. Stephen J. Thurston II, Co-Pastor. Rev. Joseph Davis, Officiating. Reflections of Life: Thelma Louise Lett was born in Hayti, Missouri, on September 17, 1935 to Inez Harrell and Percy Lett. Her parents preceded her in death. Thelma was the eldest grandchild in both families. Thelma's journey in Christ began at an early age and was baptized by Rev. Manuel Freeman at the First Baptist Church in Hayti, Mo. In 1949, Thelma moved to Chicago to stay with her grandparents and Aunt Berniece. After moving to Chicago, Thelma joined the Olivet Baptist Church. In 1952 Thelma joined the 44th Street Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Elijah Thurston. As a member of the 44th Street Baptist Church, later to become the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, for fifty-five years, Thelma served under all four generations of Thurstons. Thelma was a member of the Beautifying Ministry where she served as the President for twenty six years. She was also a member of the Gospel Chorus and Mission II ministry, which was later changed to the Women's Mission and Ministry. Thelma graduated from Hayti Central School in 1949 and Spaulding High School in 1953. In 1953, her senior year at Spaulding, Thelma served as the class Treasurer. In 1955 Thelma met her soul mate, Waldo Emerson Harvey. They were united in Holy Matrimony on June 16th 1956 by the late Rev. John Thurston at 44th Street Baptist Church and reunited 50 years later to the date by the Rev. Stephen John Thurston, in 2006. They were blessed with five children: Waldo Emerson Jr., Michael Dwayne, Regina Lynn, Angela Carol and Michele Denise. Thelma was truly devoted to her family. Thelma was a diligent worker and a professional. She was employed by Follett's Publishing and Spiegel from 1953 through 1961. She began her career as a civil servant in the federal government in 1961, being named Union Steward and Equal Employment Opportunity Representative. She retired from federal service, Veteran Administration (Hines, Illinois) in 1987. In the early 1990's she went back to work with Unique Temporary Services. In 1996, as she awaited the birth of her first grandchild she retired from working for good. Thelma leaves to celebrate her life, and cherish her precious memories: her beloved soul mate, Waldo E. Harvey Sr.; devoted sons, Waldo E. Harvey Jr., MD, Michael D. Harvey (Irene); her loving daughters, Regina L. Harvey, Angela C. Harvey and Michele D. Davis (Bruce); two adoring grand children, Kennedy Michele Davis and Braxton Xavier Davis; a loyal brother, Ray Lett (Althea); loving uncle and father figure, Joseph Harrell Jr; three adopted grand children, Kenisha C. Haywood, Denzel S. Davis, and Peggy M. Brown; a loving goddaughter, Evangelist Keisha Robinson-Campbell; and two special little sisters, Betty L. Jones and Janice M. Haywood; and several loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws in California, Illinois and Texas; a host of loving relatives, friends and her New Covenant family. Order of Service: Scripture - Rev. Joseph Davis; Prayer - Rev. Melvin Goins; Music of Comfort - Gail James; Family Tribute - Kennedy Michele Davis, Keisha Robinson-Campbell; Acknowledgment and Reflections of Life - Apryll Jackson; Music of Comfort - Barbara Nash; Message of Comfort - Pastor Stephen J. Thurston. Interment: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois. Repast: Mt. Carmel M.B. Church. Pallbearers: Spencer Brown, Darrell Harvey, Philbert Wilcox Jr., Denzel Davis, Michael A. Harvey, Charles Allen Esq., Brandon Harvey, St. Clair Haywood III, Vincent Wilcox. Honorary Pallbearers: Lonnie Booker, Carl Holloway Jr., Melvin Taylor, Alvin Harvey, Joe L. Harvey, B.H. Harvey, Abraham Taylor Jr., Philbert Wilcox Sr. Arrangements entrusted to Calahan Funeral Home, Inc., Chicago, Illinois.