Thelma Faye (Thompson) Lewis

Thelma Faye Lewis, 89, of Amarillo passed away January 22, 2024. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Saturday January 27, 2024 at Cox- Rowley Funeral Home Chapel, 4180 Canyon Drive with Pastor Billy Nickell officiating. The family will be accepting friends from 5:00-6:30 PM Friday January 26, 2024 at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Rowley Funeral Home.

Thelma was born on September 15, 1934 in Gainesville, Texas to O.H. and Bernice Thompson. She was raised in Clarendon, TX and moved to Amarillo after high school and started working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

After her first husband, Ralph Hite, passed, she was introduced to Arlie Lewis by Faye Baskett and Phyllis Johnson at First Church of the Nazarene.  Arlie and Thelma started dating and would spend hours drinking coffee, eating, and talking late into the night at Denny’s. They married in 1976 and were married 43 years before his passing.

Thelma worked for Southwestern Bell for 34 years. Arlie and Thelma loved RVing and went several places across the United States. They had spent a lot of time in Panderie, NM where they met lots of wonderful folks. She loved to sew and created beautiful quilts and embroidery pieces. Thelma and Arlie led a Senior Ministry at First Assembly in Amarillo called “The West of Fifties” and they loved having get togethers in their home. She also loved going to Post, Texas to the Ragtown Gospel Theatre.  Thelma always enjoyed social events and talking to every person present and loved to laugh! She was always ornery with the men in our family, had a sweet sense of humor with them. Her absolute favorite meal of the day was breakfast and having her hot, hot, hot coffee! Family get togethers at her home were the best at Christmas having the ‘real’ Santa Clause come visit along with the White Elephant gift exchange in which she would get so excited to see who would end up with the creepy baby doll! Fourth of July, was a tradition watching fireworks and eating hot dogs with family. She just loved a party! Thelma volunteered for Care Net, now Hope Choice, and was a member of The Pioneers-Southwestern Bell Club. She loved her church and Pastor and Bettye Nickel.  Thelma was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and now enjoys celebrating in her Heavenly home with her Savior and loved ones whom passed.

Thelma is preceded in death by her father and mother, Oscar and Bernice Thompson; her husband, Arlie Lewis; her son Mike Lewis; daughter-in-law Jo Ann Lewis; son-in-law Terry Thomas; two sisters, Opal Dennis and Florene Elliott; two brothers, O. C. Thompson and Norman Thompson.

She is survived by her two daughters, Rhonda Thomas; Maxine Smith and husband Grant; a son, Daryl Lewis; her grandchildren, Andy Hite and wife Jennifer; Michelle Ray and husband James; Lindsey Arbeiter and husband Chase; Erin McCarty and husband Neal; Marci Chapman and husband Gary; Jana Smith and husband Roger; Casey Schaef and husband Shane; Kari Neeley and husband James; Amie Lewis and Ryan Lewis; her great-grandchildren, Michael Hite; Ryan Hite; Justin Hite; Sally Zimmerman; Emily Ray; James Ray; Collins Arbeiter; Jackson Rosales; Jett McCarty; Ellie McCarty; Marshall Chapman; Braden Smith; Jenson Smith; Alayna Smith; Addison Schaef; Anslee Schaef; Adam Neeley; Kenzi Neeley; Kaegan Lewis; Braylee Lewis; and one great-great grandchild, Montgomery Neeley. Survivors also include a host of nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to say “Thank You” to Brookdale Sleepy Hollow Staff and Nurses for taking excellent care of Thelma. Especially to these sweet nurses; Jasmine, Ria, Lisa, Marcia, Monte, Shane, Tamara, Alem, JoHanna, Josefine, LaSherea, Phet, Angel, Lauren, Anisa, Enrique, Halle, Libby, Allie, Joanie; along with these amazing staff members, Isabel, Shawna, Courtney and Maria.