Thelma Dearman

Thelma Elizabeth Brown Dearman, 90, of Statesville, died Monday, July 4, 2011 at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville after a brief illness. She was born Jan. 25, 1921 in Olin, NC, to the late Charles Spurgeon and Edna Sloan Brown. She graduated from Harmony High School and Appalachian State University. She was a school teacher in the Iredell County Schools for many years, and in 1959 returned to teach in the Statesville City School system at N.B. Mills Elementary until her retirement in 1985. Following her retirement she found time to enjoy many hobbies including bridge, painting, gardening, cooking and traveling. She was also an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Statesville. Mrs. Dearman is survived by one son, Robert Dearman of Davidson, NC, two sisters, Ann Brown York and Helen Brown Galliher, both of Olin, NC and one brother, Charles S. Brown, Jr. of Mt. Olive, NC as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and a very special friend, Greg Richmond of Davidson, NC all of whom loved her dearly. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Dearman was preceded in death by her loving husband of more than 60 years, Otho Albea (O.A.) Dearman, Jr.; two infant sons, four sisters and one brother. A memorial service will be held Friday, July 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Statesville, with Rev. Steven Scott officiating. There will be a private burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville on Friday morning preceding the service. Visitation will be at the church following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Meeting St., Statesville, NC 28677 or to the television ministry of First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Dearman.