Thelma Joan Maples, 86, of Valley Alabama passed away at her residence on July 3, 2020. Thelma was born on September 30, 1934 to the late Ephriam and Edith Spriggs in Cheshire England.

Anyone who knew Thelma knew instantly she was British. Her accent stood out as a uniquely recognizable feature here in the Valley. She loved her coffee as much as she loved her favorite pastime, shopping. No matter what time of day, the coffee pot was always on and you were always welcome to a cup or two. If she wasn’t working or at home, she was out shopping. Despite the double strokes she had nearly 17 years ago, which took the use of both legs, they didn’t sway her ability to drive an electric scooter up and down the aisles of nearly every store in Opelika and Auburn. Those were her two favorite shopping destinations, rain or shine. Her primary care physician only once prescribed her an anti-depressant because she could not walk. She was really upset about that prescription and said, “I am not depressed. My legs just don’t work.” I have paraphrased her words with less profanity.

You can retrace the decades of her life through another passion, her boundless love for animals. From Bridget, Sandy, Molly, Muffin, Cat-nip, Gretchen, Digger, Charlie or Harry, she truly loved her animals. Many of you remember specific times with Thelma when it comes to hearing a name of one her animals. During this last week, Harry almost never left her side. Our family is comprised of a number of other families not related, but truly a part of the tapestry of our lives, as much as our own blood relatives, May Bruce and Shirley Wilson. From the time Thelma stepped foot in American only a year and 15 miles ever separated her and May from the time they met, which was when she was 9. Shirley just happened to be on the same boat as Wilburn and Thelma coming to American from England, and Shirley just knew she wanted to come to America but had no specific place to go. After meeting Thelma, Shirley moved to Opelika where Wilburn and Thelma moved to. May arrived a year later and lived with Wilburn and Thelma for a time. Aunt Shirley, Aunt May and Thelma; all of our families grew up together and thus began our adventures.

In remembering Thelma, most people would find it almost impossible to separate the three. They were like sisters and always laughed together and loved each other immensely. Thelma loved people. She truly loved talking to everyone. She was that person you hear about who has never met a stranger. In grand British style, she would weave these richly detailed stories in her British accent, laughing while re-telling you about someone’s mishap, helpless and in tears laughing. That’s Thelma! The stories seemed to expand over time and get funnier in their retelling, too. “Laughter is life’s best medicine,” she would say and Thelma always found humor in the most unexpected places.

One of her favorite holidays is the 4th of July, despite her British heritage. It seems almost fitting that her passing would be on the eve of this holiday. She would have been preparing for the 4th’s party for weeks with Janice and Fran at the lake not that long ago for a big crowd. One of Thelma’s closest friends is Linda Yates, whose family are an important part of our extended family, too, along with Buddy, David, Cherry, Cynthia, Joanna, Dumpy, and so many more names which belong on this list who are precious to our family and to Thelma. Nothing gave Thelma more pleasure than caring for her children and spoiling her grandchildren.

Thelma was one of our Steel Magnolias. She was a strong woman, with a strong personality, an even stronger will, but she had a heart of absolute gold. She would give you anything she had if she thought you needed it. Her greatest love of all was for Wilburn. As of March 13 of this year, they have been married for 66 years. At times, she made it difficult but she unquestionably loved him and even told him this past week, “if you leave, I want you to take me with you.” That is Thelma Joan Maples.

Thelma is survived by her husband Will Maples; sons Gil(Nancy) Maples, Lee Maples; grandchildren Janna and Adam Maples; and nephew Stephen Spriggs.

There will be a graveside service on Monday July 6, 2020 at 11:00 am EDT at Fairfax Cemetery in Valley Alabama. Reverend Paul Messer will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your charity of choice or to Fairfax Methodist Church.