Thelma Vivian Acres was born May 27, 1923 in White Spur, Texas to George W. and Jessie Southall Acres.She graduated from Anthony Union High School in 1941 and comments in her Senior Annual include “Thelma Acres – a girl who is very quiet and courteous to everyone and to whoever it might happen to be. A good example for everyone.” In May of 1946, Thelma was working in her brother-in-law’s White’s Auto Store in Deming, New Mexico when a handsome Texan came through the door looking for work. This chance encounter started a true love that resulted in Thelma marrying Milton Eugene Hope on August 2, 1946. They had three sons, Milton E. Hope, II (Gene) who resides in Uvalde, Texas with his wife, JoGayle, Steven E. Hope of Midland, Texas and his wife, Cathie, John P. Hope of Midland, Texas and his wife, Vicky, and one daughter, Patti Haynes of Midland, Texas and her husband, Dennis. Thelma is survived by 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings, Richard Acres, George Acres, Lillian House and Katherine Tillman.Milton and Thelma resided in Sanderson, Texas from 1959 until Milton’s retirement in 1982. During the early years in Sanderson, Thelma was a homemaker, and the most loving Mother and wife you could ask for. Her gentle spirit and love of nature, resulted in a yard full of flowers and she could name off any plant, tree, or bird, wild or not, and if she didn’t know it right off, could certainly find it in one of her many nature books. That brings us to her love of books – around 1966, the first Terrell County Library was developed. Thelma was the perfect candidate for the first Librarian and spent untold hours along with other devoted book lovers, in setting up what became a wonderful resource for the residents of Terrell County.As a member of the First United Methodist Church, Thelma baked cookies and cakes for Vacation Bible School and socials. The American Legion Auxillary was another of her organizations that she contributed to and the Sanderson July 4th BBQ’s were all the much better due to her potato salad, pinto beans and chocolate cakes.The Auxillary had a second hand shop, known as the Rummage Shop where Thelma volunteered and got to know many of Sanderson’s residents. Her unassuming, peaceful personality made everyone feel comfortable.Elderly people had a special spot in Thelma’s heart and she would take time to visit and have coffee with some of the shut-in ladies in Sanderson – discussing books, nature and just life in general. She filled a void in their lives that endeared her to their hearts.After Milton’s retirement from the Southern Pacific Railroad, they moved to the Hope Family farm outside of Breckenridge in Stephens County, Texas. Here, Thelma established a new yard in a different soil and climate that we all loved. Hollyhocks, Day Lillies, Roses – you name it- all flourished under her watchful eye. Visiting the Farm was special for everyone, as Thelma’s natural cooking skills provided the best cornbread dressing and brownies you could find anywhere.After Milton passed away in 1992, Thelma moved to Midland and resided there until her death Tuesday, December 1, 2015. God has fulfilled her longing to be reunited with her one true love and heaven is rejoicing at her homecoming.Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 5th at the Necessity Cemetery, Necessity, Texas.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cal Farley’s Boy’s Ranch, Texas Children’s Hospital or the charity of one’s choice.Proverbs 31:10-31Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
