Thelma Mae Williams Pinkard, 85, of Lynchburg (formerly of Martinsville, VA) passed away peacefully Sunday May 3 at Liberty Ridge Health and Rehabilitation with her daughter Cathy at her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Webster McCoy Williams and Louva Mae Williams; her son, David Pinkard; husband, Bobby Jones Pinkard; two brothers, JT and Ralph Williams; and a sister, Dorothy Hundley.She is survived by daughter, Cathy and Randall Fletcher of Wise, VA; Granddaughter, Cheri Quinn and family of Lynchburg, VA, Granddaughter, Troy and Marco Taylor of Bassett, VA., Grandson, Brandon and Thais Fletcher of Spring Lake, NC; Grandsons, Nicholas Pinkard and Aaron Pinkard. She also leaves behind 13 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Iva Jean Cox of Martinsville, VA; brother, Sammy and Janice Williams of Ocean Isle, NC; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was lovingly known as “Granny” or “Mae” to those closest to her. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to former caregivers Donna Irvine and Laura Watlington, Gentle Shepherd Hospice, and most recently the staff and community at Liberty Ridge Health and Rehab. The family would also like to extend their thanks to Dr. Eschenroeder who performed a hip repair in 2013 enabling Mae to dance again, which she loved to do. She was able to dance and walk for 4 more years before falling due to her dementia. The family was told she would not live more than 2 months after her last hip fracture, however that was in 2017 and although chair/bed bound she continued her love for a good beat by clapping. She even clapped the night before her homecoming to hymns by Joey and Rory. Anyone close to her knows how difficult she could be. Driven by a passion for her family and in her mind a clear idea of right and wrong she sometimes rubbed others the wrong way. However, she fiercely fought for what she believed was right and loved as well as she knew how. Her Thanksgiving Day feast was famous in the family and her love of family gatherings was passed on to her children and grandchildren. She loved anything creative and was a beautiful artist and continued to color during her last years. She loved all of nature and always imagined the shapes of clouds and talked to the birds. She was in favor of taking the scenic route when traveling. She was always telling Bob to stop and take a picture. She loved Jesus and was proud of her hometown of Patrick County. She enjoyed gambling the slots and the gathering of friends for poker nights and playing cards with the family. She loved to travel and see new places.
She instilled a love in her closest family members that we want you to know and remember her by. They include loving God and what he has created and to protect, nurture and enjoy it. To fight for what you believe in and fight harder for those who cannot fight for themselves. And lastly to never forget where you came from. Tell stories to your children and grandchildren and love fiercely.
A private graveside service will be held. Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com
