Thelma Slater

Thelma Slater, 90, of Tucker, GA passed on Thursday October 29, 2020. Visitation will be held on Wednesday November 4 from 4-6PM. Please express your condolences here on our website. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur, GA 30034 (404) 241-5656. Obituary Thelma Turner Slater, 90, of Tucker, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on October 29, 2020. Thelma was born in Red Bank, NJ, on July 5, 1930. She was the only daughter of Sherley and Ethel Wilson Turner. Thelma graduated from Red Bank High School and went on to receive her Bachelor’s in Music from Hampton Institute, now known as Hampton University, in 1951. While teaching, she attended Teacher’s College of Columbia University in New York City, where she obtained her Master’s in Music Education. Thelma married Master Sgt. Paul W. Slater in 1961. As a military wife, Thelma was afforded the opportunity to hold many teaching positions in the United States and abroad. Among the many places were Rustburg, Virginia; Storer College, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Dania Beach, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Munich, Germany; Wiesbaden, Germany; and finally, in New Jersey at Matawan, Eatontown and Neptune. She retired from the Neptune Township School District in 1998, after many years of dedicated service there. Thelma’s accomplishments and organizational affiliations are vast. She lent her musical talents wherever needed and loved what she did. She especially loved working with the young. Whenever asked how she was doing, her response was always a resounding “BLESSED”. Thelma was a loyal member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliated. She was the visionary leader of the Annual Black History Month Community Musical Celebration at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Thelma was very proud to hear how the program continued to grow. Thelma relocated to Decatur, Ga. in 2006 to be near her beloved brother Alvin. While in Decatur, Thelma worshipped at The Episcopal Church of Holy Cross in Decatur, Ga, yet remained faithful to her home church, St. Augustine's Episcopal. Thelma was a part of the ‘Jive Five’, consisting of the late Lillian Williams and Willie Robinson, along with Zara Peters-Wynn, Janice Keener and herself. Thelma enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader, especially romance novels. Thelma was predeceased by her husband Paul, her parents and her only brother Delmar Alvin Turner. She leaves to cherish many wonderful memories among her family: Sister-in-law Mrs. Eva Turner, Georgia; cousins Mrs. Audrey Robertson, Dr. Susan Alston and Steven Robertson, New Jersey; and friends: Ms. Zara Peters-Wynn, Florida; Ms. Yvette Jones, Georgia; Mrs. Thomasina F. Savage, New Jersey; Tony and Karen Williams, Georgia, along with other friends and associates. Special thanks and gratitude to Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Hill of Decatur, Georgia for all the love they showed her. “Blessed Are the Pure In Heart, For They Shall See God” Matthew 5:8, NKJ Visitation will be livestream on Wednesday from 4-6PM Due to COVID restriction everyone must wear a mask when entering the chapel.

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Thelma Slater

July 5, 1930 - October 29, 2020