Thelma Lepard Raby, 93, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Thelma was born November 3, 1930, and raised in Pontotoc where she attended Algoma High School. She met and married the love of her life J.W. Raby and was married for 46 years until his passing in 1991. Together they raised four children, seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. J.W. and Thelma moved to the Memphis area in 1951 where they made their home, but never lost the connection to their family in Pontotoc. Thelma was an amazing homemaker from her own home to her family’s homes who dedicated her life to taking care of others. She was a loving and caring mother, mommaw, aunt and friend who adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren until the day of her death. Her face would light up when her grandchildren or great grandchildren would walk through her door. Thelma enjoyed quilting and sewing and there was not a vegetable or fruit that Thelma could not can, freeze or make some kind of delicious treat out of. She opened her home to any and all, and when you visited her there would always be a meal on the table as she was the kind of woman that never let you leave with an empty stomach. She was a true, kind hearted friend who loved everyone she crossed paths with. Thelma made sure that she stayed in contact with everyone she called family or friend making frequent phone calls when she could not be there in person. Her sweet voice will truly be missed.
She was survived by two sons, Denvile Raby (Kathy), Jerry Raby, seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, Proceeded in death by her parents Elmer Lee Lepard and Lois McCullum Lepard, her husband of 46 years, Jessie Wylie (JW) Raby, daughter Linda Faye Raby Hughes, son-in-law John Hughes, son Ronald Ray Raby (Ron), brothers Richard Leon Lepard, Sister Martha Gene Lepard McDonald, Granddaughters, Jennifer Dale Hughes Gossett, Kristen Lee Raby.
Services will be Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 3PM at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc with visitation beginning at 12PM. Burial will follow in Pontotoc Memorial Garden. Tutor Memorial Funeral Home of Pontotoc is in charge of arrangements.
