Thelma Matthews Harrington, 93, of Greenville, passed away on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

A visitation will be held Saturday from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home. Burial services will be private.

Thelma was born Aug. 18, 1925, in Sanford, North Carolina, to the late June and Meta Matthews. The family moved to Durham, where she graduated from Durham High School. After graduating, Thelma moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for the United States government as a decoder during World War ll. Upon finishing her work, she moved back to Sanford and married Laird Harrington, who has preceded her in death. They lived in California until he was discharged from the Navy and returned to Sanford. While in Sanford, she worked as a bookkeeper for several companies until moving to Chocowinity, where they would be nearer to their daughter Sylvia Harrington Measamer Hines, son-in-law Wesley Measamer and their grandchildren.

Thelma and Laird were the founding members of Morningside Presbyterian Church in Sanford, where they were very active in the church. After their move to Chocowinity, they continued their dedication to God at First Presbyterian Church in Washington (where she loved to deliver the children’s message). Thelma was given the Honorary Life Membership in the Women of the Church.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by son-in-law Wesley Measamer, sisters Margaret Samet, Geraldine Bridges, Joyce Harrington, brothers Harold Matthews, Bobby Matthews and Reid Matthews.

Thelma never met a stranger and loved everyone, especially children and animals. She was always the first one to visit, prepare food, take flowers, or do whatever was needed.

In addition to her daughter Sylvia and husband Craig, she is survived by her grandchildren (who she spoiled rotten when they were children), Marty Measamer and wife Leslie, Jonathan and wife Christina, and Beth Johnson and husband Matt; great-grandchildren, Elyse and Molly Measamer, Chloe Hale and Caleb and Mackenzie Johnson. She always perked up when Caleb and Mackenzie visited her. They loved to share a Pepsi and snacks. They were so good to her with hugs, kisses, hand holding and holding the Pepsi so she could drink it.

Thelma is also survived by her sisters Pat Joye and husband Vernon, who was like a brother to her and was always there when she and Laird needed them, Willie Mae Warner and husband, Chuck; brother-in-law Johnny Bridges; sister-in-law Elaine Matthews; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Ronnie and Kevin for taking her under their wing after Laird died and took her on many fun and wonderful trips.

She loved growing and sharing her flowers to make people happy. To continue that tradition, the family requests no flowers, but asks you to consider buying flowers for yourself, a friend, a neighbor or a nursing home.

Also, please consider making a donation to those in need after Hurricane Florence or to the Humane Society, in Thelma’s memory.