Thelma Arthelia Holmes Boxley, the only daughter of the late Aaron and Emily Holmes, was born on July 15, 1930, in Newtown, Virginia. She departed this world on July 25, 2026, to her eternal home in heaven. She was preceded in death by her brother, Aaron Franklin Holmes.

After graduating as valedictorian from King and Queen Training School in 1947, Thelma attended St. Paul College. She later transferred to Howard University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She also received her Master's degree from Virginia State University.

Thelma was united in marriage to Lorenzo Winfield Boxley on October 5, 1957. To this union, one son was born. Lorenzo preceded Thelma in death on July 23, 2011.

Family and friends will forever remember the beautiful spirit and lasting legacy of Thelma. She leaves behind a tremendous impact on the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Kevin Winfield Boxley (Sandra); a beloved adopted daughter, Delores (Tease) Woolford; granddaughters, Christina Tatum (Hosea) and Courtney McCrary; great-granddaughters, Morgan Leah Tatum and Roen Marie Gatewood; sister-in-law, Lucille Bush (Milton); devoted cousin, Buck Hawes; devoted nephew, Boyd Foxx; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Thelma was deeply thankful to God for giving her the strength and endurance to lovingly care for her ailing mother, Emily Holmes; her mother-in-law, Bettie Boxley; and her cousin, Ethel Broaddus, for many years.

Affiliations and Service

A. Member of First Mount Olive Baptist Church, Newton, Virginia; later transferred her membership to St. John Baptist Church, Woodford, Virginia.

a. At St. John Baptist Church, she faithfully served as:

i. Superintendent of Sunday School

ii. Sunday School Teacher

iii. Deaconess

iv. Director of Vacation Bible School

v . Missionary

vi. Started the Nursing Guild

B. Taught in the King and Queen County Public School System for eight years. She later retired from Fredericksburg City Public Schools after 38 years of dedicated service and continued serving as a substitute teacher for an additional nine years following her retirement.

C. Former member of the Rappahannock Service Board.

D. Member of the NAACP.

E. Member of Welcome Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, where she faithfully served as Secretary for more than 40 years.

F. Co-founder of the King and Queen Volunteer Rescue Squad.

G. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

A Final Message from Thelma

"By the time you read my obituary, I'll be in heaven, walking on streets of gold with my Lord and Savior."