Thelma (Smith) Coward

Mrs. Thelma Smith Coward, 85, wife of the late Bennie R. “Bob” Coward, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024, at her home in Coward.

Mrs. Coward was born on August 14, 1938, in Florence County, daughter of the late Alva Smith and Lauraetta T. Smith.  She was a longtime member of Tabernacle Free Will Baptist Church, where she served many years as clerk and treasurer. She was a faithful member of the Adult Sunday School Class and also the Women for Christ Ministry, along with the Young at Heart.  During the years 2006 through 2014, she did not miss a service.  After that, the only time she missed was when she was hospitalized.  She was well known for her delicious chewies and blueberry delight desserts.  Mrs. Coward was a graduate of Carolina College of Commerce and retired from Florence-Darlington Technical College. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother.

Surviving are her daughter, Debbie Coward; son, Dale (Phyllis) Coward; grandson, Chris (Kayla) Coward; granddaughter, Ashley (Tripp) Fryar; great grandchildren, Easton Coward, Olivia (Jacob) Fryar, and Reagen (Matthew) Fryar; great-great grandson, Ethan Fryar; brother, William “Tee” Smith; a number of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Coward was preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph W. Smith and Horace Smith.  Also preceding her was her longtime cousin and best friend, Barbara J. McAllister.  They were travel buddies and loved each other like sisters.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM, Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Tabernacle Free Will Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Mossy Grove Cemetery, Old #4 Hwy, Coward. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  

Memorials may be made to Tabernacle Free Will Baptist Church, Post Office Box 207, Coward, SC 29530.

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