Thelma Lee Hawkins-Pounds Obituary May 18, 2026
A Life of Faith, Strength, and Compassion
Death Announcement
With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Thelma Lee Hawkins-Pounds announces her peaceful passing on May 18, 2026, at the age of 86. Surrounded by the love of her family in Birmingham, Alabama, Thelma departed this life with the same grace, dignity, and strength that defined her remarkable journey.
Thelma Lee Hawkins-Pounds was a woman whose kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith touched countless lives. Known for her generous heart and comforting presence, she served as a guiding light to her family, church, and community for decades.
Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her legacy of compassion, resilience, and devotion will continue to inspire future generations. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones are remembering Thelma as a woman who always opened her home, offered encouragement, and treated others with genuine care and respect.
As family members gather to celebrate her life, they reflect on the many cherished memories she created through her unconditional love and steadfast support.
Life and Career of Thelma Lee Hawkins-Pounds
Thelma Lee Hawkins-Pounds was born on January 14, 1940, in Montgomery, Alabama, into a close-knit and hardworking family. Raised with strong values rooted in faith, integrity, and perseverance, Thelma grew into a compassionate and determined woman who dedicated her life to helping others.
She attended local schools in Montgomery before eventually pursuing a career in social and community services. Throughout her professional life, Thelma became known for her commitment to supporting families, mentoring young people, and advocating for those in need.
For more than 40 years, she worked tirelessly within community outreach programs and faith-based organizations throughout Alabama. Her work focused on uplifting underserved families, organizing charitable initiatives, and creating opportunities for education and spiritual growth.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Thelma’s greatest gift was her ability to bring people together. Her home became a place of comfort, laughter, prayer, and healing for family and friends alike. She loved preparing large family meals, attending church events, and celebrating milestones with those she cared about most.
Thelma was deeply devoted to her faith and remained an active member of her church throughout her life. She participated in choir ministries, women’s outreach groups, and mentorship programs for young mothers and children in the community.
Friends remember Thelma as someone who possessed extraordinary wisdom and patience. She offered guidance without judgment and encouraged others to face life’s challenges with faith and determination.
Whether comforting a grieving friend, volunteering at community events, or simply sharing kind words with a neighbor, Thelma consistently demonstrated the power of compassion and service.
Family Members and Loved Ones
Thelma Lee Hawkins-Pounds is survived by her loving children, Deborah Pounds, Michael Pounds, and Cynthia Reynolds, all of whom were deeply devoted to their mother and grateful for the lessons she shared throughout their lives.
She was also a proud grandmother and great-grandmother whose family brought endless joy and fulfillment to her later years. Her grandchildren fondly remember her warm embraces, heartfelt prayers, and words of encouragement that carried them through difficult times.
In addition to her immediate family, Thelma leaves behind siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, church members, and countless community members whose lives were positively influenced by her love and guidance.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Edward Pounds, with whom she shared more than five decades of marriage rooted in faith, loyalty, and unconditional love.
To her family, Thelma was more than a mother or grandmother — she was the heart of the family, the source of wisdom during difficult seasons, and the steady presence who brought peace and unity to those around her.
Funeral and Memorial Service Details
A celebration of life service honoring Thelma Lee Hawkins-Pounds will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
Family, friends, church members, and community supporters are invited to gather in remembrance and gratitude for Thelma’s extraordinary life and lasting impact.
Visitation will take place on Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church fellowship hall.
Following the memorial service, a private family burial will be held at Serenity Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to local community outreach programs and youth mentorship initiatives, causes that reflected Thelma’s lifelong mission of serving others.
The family also extends heartfelt appreciation to caregivers, healthcare professionals, church leaders, and friends who offered support, prayers, and compassion during her final days.
A Tribute to Thelma Lee Hawkins-Pounds’s Legacy
The life of Thelma Lee Hawkins-Pounds was a beautiful example of faith in action. She believed deeply in the importance of kindness, service, and family, and she spent her life uplifting others through both words and actions.
Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched — the children she mentored, the families she supported, and the loved ones she inspired with her strength and unwavering faith.
Those who knew Thelma will forever remember her radiant smile, calming voice, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued.
Even in moments of sorrow, her family takes comfort in knowing that her teachings, love, and spirit will continue guiding them for years to come.
Although she will be deeply missed, Thelma’s memory remains a blessing and a reminder of the incredible impact one compassionate life can have on an entire community.
Condolence Section
The family of Thelma Lee Hawkins-Pounds welcomes prayers, condolences, and cherished memories from all who knew and loved her. Tributes from friends, church members, and neighbors continue to reflect the tremendous influence she had on so many lives through her faith, wisdom, and generosity.
During this difficult time, the family asks for continued prayers and privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved mother, grandmother, mentor, and friend.
