Thelma Joyce Earle was born on February 11, 1937, to James and Bertha Marriott in Hunt County, TX. She had many fond memories of growing up on the farm with her 5 siblings – Mary, Fay, Mamie, Edwin and Audrey.
When she was a senior in high school (and 14 years old!) she met the love of her life – Cleadus Earle, and after dating for a year they married and began a wonderful life together. In the first 4 years of marriage, they had many “adventures” as C.A.’s job in the oilfield took them to Rawlins, Laramie, Worland, Riverton, Douglas, Cody, Lander, Rock Springs, Casper, Wheatland and Gillette, Wyoming, and Dove Creek, Rangley, Canyon City, Fairplay, Fort Collins and Lajuata, Colorado. They also spent time in Vernal, UT, where their first son Steve was born before returning to Texas to settle down.
While living in the Greenville area, Cleadus and Thelma had 2 more boys – Gary and Keith, and Thelma received her Education Degree from North Texas State University.
In 1972, the family moved to Oklahoma City, where they quickly became involved in church and community and Thelma began her teaching career. Here, she continued her education and received her Masters Degree and became a school counselor. She held a lifelong passion for learning and for inspiring others to be the best they could be.
After retirement, Thelma and C.A. settled in Paris, TX where once again they became deeply committed to church and community. They were active members of East Paris Baptist Church where they served and volunteered for many years.
Thelma was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her time on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
Thelma loved time with her family and was the greatest of encouragers. She made you feel like you could accomplish anything! She also found joy in traveling, arts and crafts, coffee and cookies, music, cooking, coffee and cookies, long visits with friends, writing letters, sewing, quilting, antiquing, and of course…coffee and cookies.
Those who knew Thelma will remember her for her joy and deep-rooted faith, and her unwavering commitment to sharing kindness and love to everyone she encountered. She had a rare gift for making others feel loved and valued. Thelma stepped into Heaven on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at her home in Friendswood, TX.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, James and Bertha Marriott, her loving husband of 63 years – Cleadus Earle, her son Steve Earle, sisters – Mary Massey, Fay Scroggins, Mamie Chambers, and brother Edwin Marriott.
She is survived by her sons – Gary and his wife Kathryn of Tulsa, OK and Keith and his wife Susan of Friendswood, TX. Grandchildren, Kristen Harty (Sean), Jennifer McCullough, Victoria Wiedman (Aaron), Nick Earle. Great – Grandchildren: Cadence, Adam, Elizabeth, Miriam and Kaylee, Khloe and Ryker. Her sister – Audrey Hatley and many nieces and nephews.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Morada Assisted Living and Compassus Hospice for the loving care they gave to Thelma and our family. Services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 th at 2:00 pm at Bright-Holland Funeral Home. 2601 Lamar Ave., Paris, TX – with a brief graveside following at Sullivan Cemetery in Hunt County, TX. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
