Thelma Claudine Cosby

Thelma C. Cosby,more commonly known as"Momma,Grandma,Nanny and Sug" by loved ones,was born on March 2, 1931 in Hoffman County,North Carolina to the late Garland and Lola Strickland. Her family relocated to Richmond,Virginia when Thelma was very young. There she attended Navy Hill Elementary School,Booker T. Washington Junior High School and Armstrong High School.Shortly after moving to Richmond,the Strickland family joined Leigh Street Methodist Church where Thelma grew up in the spirit of the Lord. She later joined Fifth Street Baptist Church at an early age and remained a dedicated member. Telma retired from Philip Morris USA in 1993 after many years of service.It was clear that the love of God and love of family guided Thelma's steps. When she was a young teenager,she helped care for her younger siblings after the death of their mother. Later,she married Lloyd A. Cosby of Hanover,Virginia. This union resulted in the birth of Lloyd Jr.,Francen,Francella,Anthony and Zelma. She often shared her love for fishing with her family and friends,and later in life,became an avid tennis fan.It is in and through her children that by example Thelma has left a legacy of grace through her volunteer efforts,including work with Fifth Street Baptist Church's FMO Circle #6 and Sisters Network Central Virginia,Inc.;a legacy of faith in God even in times of trails and tribulations;a legacy of laughter because she belived each moment in life was a gift to be enjoyed;and most of all,a legacy of love that ws evident in how she would go out of her way to help strangers,friends and family,alike.Surrounded by her children in the comfort of her own home,Thelma peacefully began her transition to the next phase of her eternal life on Monday,December 14,2009 after a lengthy struggle with lung cancer. As a woman of strong faith,Thelma did not fear this new phase because she knew it was just that...a new beginning with her Maker. She was preceded in death by her parents Garland and Lola Strickland and her sisters,Bertha S. Ross and Margaret Strickland Green. Left to cherish and honor her life are:three daughters,Francen Cosby,Francella Burnette(Chauncey)and Zelma Watkins(Haywood);two sons,Lloyd A.Cosby,Jr.(Maria)and Anthony Cosby;two sisters,Hazel Williams(Jesse)and Ida LeGrande;brother,Garland Strickland,Jr.(Bonita);four granddaughters,Felicia Cosby,Tekeesha Burnett,Chelsea Cosby and Chynna Cosby;two grandsons,Haywood Watkins,III and Devin Burnette;two great-grandchildren,Laila Pugh and Darius Delsoin;and a host of nieces,nephews,other relatives and friends.

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Thelma Claudine Cosby

February 2, 1931 - December 14, 2009