Thelma Curtis

Thelma Curtis (Baker), daughter of the late Ivy Baker and Jennie Simmons (Smith), was born on December 23, 1932 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life pm Friday, May 1, 2009 after a lengthy illness.She received her education in the Baltimore City School System. At various intervals of her life Thelma worked odd jobs as a laborer at the packinghouse, short order cook/dishwasher at various restaurants, and a custodial worker with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Baltimore. Thelma was very dedicated and compassionate in helping others; she volunteered as an aide with Bea Gaddy and later became a senior aide with the Baltimore City Health Department Senior Companion Program.In her late teens, Thelma parented two sons by the late James Waller, Sr., later as a young adult she met and married the late Sidney Daniel Curtis and together they parented eight children. Two of her sons preceded her in death, James A.L. Waller, Jr. and Ronald V. Curtis.Most of her life she was a homemaker raising ten children as a single parent. Thelma enjoyed cooking, she took great; pleasure in watching as others delighted in eating her hot delicious meals, always willing to make room for one more at her table. In her home life she enjoyed raising pets such as fish, dogs, cats, monkeys, horses and any other pets that the city of Baltimore would allow. Thelma had many hobbies; putting puzzles together, playing cards and gambling were part of her lively hood. Thelma was a connoisseur of all sorts of collectables, gadgets, stuffed animals and dolls. She also enjoyed traveling to Atlantic City with her friends at Water Towers.She leaves to cherish her memory; four sons, Paul Waller, Sidney, Will and Roger (John) Curtis; four daughters, Vernita Cox, Mary Garris, Shirley and Rose Curtis; two sons-in-law, Melvin Cox and James Garris; thirty grandchildren and twenty-eight great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their children; four sisters, Delores (Joe) Beadles, Alice Williams, Vicky and Janice Baker; one brother, Nathaniel Baker; one aunt Christine, a special friend and neighbor, Ms. Elliott and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Thelma Curtis

December 23, 1932 - May 1, 2009