Thelma Elizabeth (Diamond) Harkins

Thelma Elizabeth Harkins, age 101, of Hockessin, DE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 11, 2017 with her loving family by her side.

Born in Wilmington, DE, Thelma was the daughter of the late Charles and Lulu (Miller) Diamond. She had attended school in a one room school house during her younger years. For over 20 years, Thelma worked at the Three Little Bakers. She then worked as a cashier for many years at Schaffers in Elsmere, before working at Pathmark until 1980.

Thelma was a life member of Marshallton United Methodist Church. She was also a life member of the Cranston Heights Ladies Auxiliary.

Thelma was an amazing homemaker, who loved to cook, bake and can. Holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, were a special time for Thelma as she loved to entertain and spend time with her family.

Some of Thelma’s favorite times were spent watching the birds and squirrels from her window, as well as admiring all the flowers blooming. She enjoyed boating with her husband, as well as going for rides in the car. Thelma loved going to dinner at Cosmos Restaurant with her husband, where she could enjoy her favorite meal of crab cakes and macaroni and cheese.

Thelma will be remembered as a very kind and gentle soul, who was loved by all who met her. She also had great character and good wit.

Thelma is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Emanuel J. Harkins; her children, Doris A. Reynolds (Robert W., Jr.); Edward “Roy” Jarrell (Loretta), Diane L. Furlong (Jim) and Debbie Harkins (Steve); her grandchildren, Debra Ambrose, Douglas Blevins, Donna Tidwell, Barbara Reynolds, Richard Jarrell, Emily Hickey, Sarah Sharp, and Barbara Jean Scira; her numerous great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Lulu Diamond; her brothers, Ernest and Eddie Diamond; her sister, Beulah Wroten; her daughter, Darlene Linda Jarrell; and her grandson, Robert W. Reynolds, III.

Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, May 17 from 10 to 11 AM at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808, where a Celebration of Thelma’s Life will begin at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the entire staff of Seasons Hospice for their amazing compassion and care of Thelma and her family during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice Foundation, 220 Continental Dr., Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713 or to Faithful Friends, 12 Germay Dr., Wilmington, DE 19804. 

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