Visitation: Thursday, June 12, 2014 1-6 p.m. in the chapel of Stinson Funeral Home 16540 Meyers at the John Lodge Fwy.

Family Hour: Thursday, June 12, 2014 6-8 p.m. also in the chapel of Stinson Funeral Home.

Funeral Service to be Held: Friday, June 13, 2014 12:00 p.m.at
The House of Prayer and Praise Ministries 16520 Wyoming Detroit, Michigan.

THELMAS STORY

Thelma B. Sturdivan was born on December 23, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan at Herman Keifer Hospital. She was the youngest daughter of Willie Walter Barnett and Delia Pierce Barnett. Bot parents preceded her in death.

Thelma was educated in the Detroit Public School system. She attended Northeastern High School, where her favorite class was Vocal Chorale.

Thelma Barnett met her future husband while in high school. She married the love of her life, Gerald Sturdivant, on November 28, 1942. They eloped to Napoleon, Ohio, and returned to Detroit, Michigan to start their lives together. From this union brought three daughters: Gerlma Arcelia, Wynonia and Lorn E. She and Gerald doted on their three girls, involving them in many activities and dressing them with the latest fashions. Married just shy of 52 years, Gerald passed away November 4, 1994.

Thelma worked as a model, elevator operator, and held numerous positions at Burroughs Corporation-many of which she was the first African American female to possess the job. Throughout it all she performed her duties with dignity, poise, and determination....character traits she would instill in her three daughters. Thelma retired from Burroughs in September 1983 after 28 1/2 years of dedicated service, rising in her career there to the position of Quality ontrol Inspector.

Thelma Sturdivant possessed many strong characteristics. She was steadfast in her beliefs, compassionate, caring, and frequently spoke her mind. A shy and reserved lady , once she felt comfortable around someone they were close to her heart.

Enjoying many activities, Thelma was an avid bowler. She also loved the theater, puzzles, and traveling-cruising in particular. Traveling the world, Africa, Aruba, Italy, England, Mexico and Panama was graced by Thelma's visit. She also relished being with her family and close friends.

Thelma was a dedicated member of New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, serving 40 years under the leadership of Pastor E.A. Rundless II. Her golden years saw her membership at the House of Prayer and Praise under Bishop Steven J. Bennett, Sr.

She volunteered in the church soup kitchen, and was vigilant in her Christian fellowship until faltering health decided otherwise.

Thelma Barnett Sturdivant departed her earthly home on Friday, June 6, 2014 with her daughters at her bedside. Devoted to her life and memory are her daughters, Gerlma Johnson, Wynonia Sturdivant (Moya Hughes) and Lorna Jordan (Jon-Keith); brother Nathaniel Barnett; sister-in-law, Constance Lavender; grandchildren, Stephanie, Vanessa (Grace Junge), Andre (Tationa Sayles), Gerald and Candice; very special nieces, Zenobia and Lori; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and "adopted" daughters, Terri Byrd and Doris Roundtree. Meeting her in heaven are siblings, William Barnett, Arcelia Carter, DeWitt Lavender, Michael Lavender and Earnest Givens