Thelma Ballard

Thelma Bowman Ballard, 88, of Flowery Branch, Georgia and formerly of Gastonia passed away on Thursday July 19, 2018 at home. She was born on December 29, 1929 in Gaston County to the late Harvey Reed and Annie Rush Bowman.

She was also preceded in death by her son Vernon Ballard, Jr.; daughter Lorie Ann Keeter; brothers Harvey Bowman, Pete Bowman; sister Verlena Carter; grandchild Christy Marie Szabo; son-in-law Robert Follett.

Left to cherish her memories is her daughter Patsy Follett of Flowery Branch, Georgia, Rita Absher and husband Raymond of Bessemer City, Jackie Sweeten and husband Rick of Gastonia; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service, to celebrate Thelma's life, will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Salem Baptist Church in Gastonia with Rev. Clarence (Jr.) Morris officiating.

Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park.

Thelma's family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 pm Sunday prior to the service at the church.