Mrs. Thelma Jane Palmer Washington was born May 30, 1939, in Kilgore, Texas to the parentage of C. B. McKinley Palmer and Jeraldine Elizabeth Williams Palmer. She graduated from North Chapel High School in 1957 and moved to Dallas, Texas shortly after graduating. Thelma worked more than 30 years for St. Paul Hospital where she was a Unit Secretary and Radiology File Clerk. After leaving St. Paul Hospital, she worked briefly for Macy's Department Stores. Thelma was united in marriage to William Taylor and to that union one daughter, Cheryl, was born. She later united in marriage to the late R. L. Washington and to that union two daughters, Rhetta and Racquel, were born. In 1983, Thelma united with the Concord Church under the leadership of Dr. E. K. Bailey. During her tenure at Concord, Thelma was active in her Sunday School class, the Senior VIP Ministry and volunteered with the E. K. Bailey Ministries and S.T.A.N.D. Ministries. Like many women in her family, in her early years, Thelma also became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Thelma was also very active and vocal in her community, especially in and around the Red Bird area.

Thelma departed this life on Monday, January 8, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, R. L. Washington; one brother, Walter Denweed; and one sister-in-law, Patricia Palmer.

She leaves to cherish her memories, three children, Cheryl Taylor, Rhetta Washington McCoy, and Racquel Washington; one step-daughter, LaTrice Washington; one grandson, Jonathan Eric McCoy, Jr.; three brothers, Lee Porter Palmer (Lorraine), Charles Wesley Palmer (Betty), and Eddie Preston Palmer; two sisters, Shirley Bryant and Diane Beckworth; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.