Thelma Colleen Smith Dadds

Thelma Colleen Smith Dadds, 79, of Fort Myers, Florida, was awarded with her heavenly angel wings on August 8, 2010. Thelma was born on January 25, 1931, in Grasonville, Maryland to David and Sarah Smith. Thelma enjoyed growing up in Maryland with her many brothers and sisters. She was a familiar face to many in local restaurant establishments. She was known for her wit, beautiful smile, and the best customer service ever. Many folks will remember her from the Centreville Tea Room, the Islander, Hillside and H&G Restaurant. After a lovely courtship she married Jack Dempsey Anthony Dadds, Sr. December 13, 1947 in Chestertown, Maryland. Along the way the Lord blessed Thelma and Jack with four children, Jack Dempsey Anthony Dadds, Jr., Valerie D. Black, Sara Ann Smith, and April E. Dadds. Thelma enjoyed many things such as cleaning and doing laundry, crossword puzzles, Wheel of Fortune, Eddie Arnold, and a nifty little handheld poker machine, when she couldn’t play a slot machine. She loved music and dancing with Jack, and spending time with family and friends. But mostly she adored her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren, and spending time with them. Along with her husband Jack in their later years, these spry folks took over management of St. Michaels Cottages in the late 1980’s and made many friends in that area. They spent several years there before Jack went ahead to prepare a place in heaven for Thelma. Thelma retired from waitressing for H&G and managing St. Michaels Cottages, and moved to Radnor, Pennsylvania with her daughter Valerie and son-in-law David. After a little time in Pennsylvania, Thelma moved to Valerie and David’s home in Fort Myers, Florida, where she reveled in spending time with her great granddaughter Emerson Black. Thelma is survived by her sister Jean Cantner, her son Jack D.A. Dadds, Jr. and his wife Connie of Golt, Maryland; her daughter Valerie D. Black and her husband David R. Black of Fort Myers, Florida; her daughter Sara Ann Smith and her husband Roy W. Smith of Chestertown, and her daughter April E. Dadds of Millington, Maryland. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Derrick T. Dadds, Jacqueline J. Roth, Anthony Dadds, Chris Black and wife Lydia, Justin Black and wife Jaime, Darcy Elburn, Tristan Germann and wife Terran, and Jared Haze. As well she is survived by nine great grandchildren. The service will be conducted by her son-in-law David R. Black. Visitation will be held on Thursday August 19th, 2010 at the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, Centreville, Md. A memorial gathering will follow at the funeral home from 7:30 until 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made in Thelma Dadds’ name to either the Florida Cancer Specialists, 15681 New Hampshire Court, Fort Myers, Florida, 33908 or Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. in Easton. For online tributes, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com.

Thelma Colleen Smith Dadds

January 25, 1931 - August 8, 2010