At the age of 94, Thelma Lucille Owens Harmon, formerly of Portageville, MO, passed away on June 14, 2023.  She closed her eyes peacefully at rest and at home in Aiken, SC and opened them in Heaven in the arms of her Savior.

Thelma had several names: Mother, Nanny, and to all the others that loved her (and there were many), it was just "T".  T loved to laugh and brought joy to everyone around her.  She was steady as an oak, solid as a rock, and the definition of a Proverbs 31 woman.

She was born on October 5, 1928, in Parma, Mo. to the late Will and Maud Owens.  Across her 94 years, she had a wealth of stories to include (but certainly not limited to) growing up on the farm, playing basketball on her high school team, and becoming the Jitterbug Queen.

On June 14, 1944, Thelma Harmon married the love of her life, Fred Harmon Jr.  As a newlywed, she rode a train all the way back from the west coast, alone, after seeing him off to World War II.  Fortunately, the war ended shortly after, and he returned.  They were married for 64 years before his passing.  It was not a coincidence that they were reunited in Heaven on the day of their anniversary 79 years later. What an anniversary celebration!

Thelma poured herself into everything she did across her lifetime, whether it was at home tending to her two boys, serving diligently at church, or at the University of Missouri Research Center where she was honored for her more than 25 years of dedicated service.

For the past three years, Thelma resided in Aiken, SC with her family, but Portageville, MO was always home.  If the doors were open at the First Baptist Church, she was there.  A devout and dedicated member for 58 years, she loved her church family and served every time she was able. In Aiken, she attended Hillview Baptist Church (Warrenville, S.C.).

A woman of great strength, she grieved greatly for the loss of her husband, her son (Steve Harmon), her brother (Willis Owens), and her lifelong best friend (Martha Barnes).

Also preceding her in death are half-brothers - Chester Lindsey, Robert Lindsey, Bremon Lindsey, Thomas Kitchen, Elston Owens, Robert Owens, Rube Owens, and Ralph Owens, half-sisters – Irene Callison and Naomi Harns.

She is survived by one brother, Roy Owens of Vanduser, Mo.

Thelma left a legacy of faith, love, honor, respect, and dedication.  She would say that being a mother was one of her greatest joys, and she was loved and cherished by her family.  She is survived by her son, Stan (Joan) Harmon of Aiken, S.C.  If you knew her, you knew of her grandchildren.  She was an awesome and intentional grandmother to a grandson, Brad (Ashley) Harmon of Aiken, S.C., a granddaughter, Sarah (Chris) Smith of Aiken, S.C.  One of her greatest joys was her 4 great-grandchildren who were blessed to grow up with her in their lives, Cole and Caylen Harmon, Isaac and Eliza Waters.  She is also survived by a daughter-in-law Lisa Beasley and family, many nieces and nephews that she loved very much, and very special friends, Curt and Rita Royster (who was like a daughter to her and cared for her better than anyone could).

Visitation will be held on June 20th, 2023 from 9:00am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00am at the First Baptist Church, Portageville, Mo. The pastor of Hillview Baptist Church, Warrenville, S.C. (Mike McAlpin) will officiate, assisted by Dr. John Compere, First Baptist Church, Portageville, and Reggie Grant, Temple of God's Glory, Portageville.

Thelma will be laid to rest at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo.

Pallbearers will be Lewis Rone, Mark Cross, Dr. Dan Bieser, Ricky Ray, Roger Crafton, and Mike Barnes.