Lizzie Mae Thames

Lizzie Mae Riley was born on October 10, 1937 in Manning, South Carolina to Josephine Lemon and Charles Riley, Sr. She was raised in a loving and God fearing home, along with her one brother and three sisters. She attended school in Manning where she graduated. It was in Manning where met the love of her life, David (Tim) Thames. In January 1966, they were wed in Holy Matrimony. In 1968, she joined her husband in Winter Garden, Florida. Their union was blessed with two sons, Kelvin and Kenny. Liz was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and family member. Her family meant the world to her. They were given loving care, with wisdom and guidance. She\ worked at Sunland Training Center in Orlando, Florida for many years until its closing in 1983. Mother Thames accepted Jesus Christ as her Personal Savior at an early age and began her work in His vineyard. She united with the Bethlehem Missionary Church Family in 1974, where she labored for more than 45 plus years.. She was loyal to every auxiliary she was affiliated with. She was a member of Choir #1 Combined Choir, The Sr. Women’s Mission, Prayer Band, Golden Angels, Deaconess Ministry and she was very instrumental in organizing the Bereavement Committee. She served untiringly and unselfishly giving both spiritually and financially, until her health prevented her from doing so. She also loved to hear the Male Chorus and supported them wholeheartedly. Her finals thoughts on Saturday, April 13, 2024, must have been: ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Mother Thames was preceded in death by her Husband, David (Tim) Thames; Her Parents: Josephine Lemon and Charles Riley, Sr.; Son, Kenneth Thames; Stepdaughter, Carol Jones; and her Brother, Charles Riley, Jr. She leaves cherished memories of a beautiful life with Sons: Kevin Thames of Winter Garden, Florida, James Riley of Baltimore, Mary- land; Grandchildren: LeKendra Geffard (Rick) of Winter Garden, Florida; Naomi Thames of Winter Garden, Florida; Kevin Thames, Jr, Travontae Rodgers, Sandra Akins, and Kendall Lovett, all of Orlando, Florida; Step Son, Shaquille Riley of Winter Garden, Florida; Step Daughters: Lisa Myles of Orlando, Florida, and Titiana Riley of Winter Garden, Florida; Sisters: Estelle Brock and Sarah Tindal (Cleveland) of Baltimore, Maryland and Eva Mae Gaters (Samuel) of Sumter, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, her Bethlehem Church Family, Kenny Court Neighbors; and sorrowing friends.

Tributes

Lizzie Mae Thames

October 10, 1937 - April 13, 2024