Annie Louise Thurman's Obituary
Georgia Belle
Annie Louise Lumpkins met Ruben Thurman, Jr. in Moultrie, Georgia, where she was born and raised by her parents Doll Lumpkins Jenkins and Allen Bell. Annie and Ruben married and moved to Fort Lewis, WA where Ruben, a Sergeant in the army, was posted.
Loving Caregiver
The acknowledged backbone of the family, her love knew no bounds. She loved unconditionally. Though she was challenged by her daughter’s strong will, she loved Deborah deeply. The highlight and joy of her life was helping to raise children, whether it was her siblings, her nieces and nephews or her own child. Annie was a licensed practical nurse whose skills came in handy for all those scraped knees. She was a nurturer who made every effort to be a supportive parent, always having encouraging words. Loving to dress up and always paying attention to color coordination, Annie was a classy woman. She did her best to help others whether it was family, friends or clients in her chosen profession. Friends, family, everyone adored her. People who knew her will remember how articulate she was and her wonderful speaking voice fondly saying, “my, my,
my.” It warmed hearts when those beautiful eyes, engaging smile, and vibrant energy were in the room. She would light up in the company of her darling pet Jude.
With Honor
The one most important thing Annie learned in life was that she could do anything she set her mind to. She finished any project she started. Being a voracious reader and an overachiever was a blessing. Reading “everything she could get her hands on” when she had even a few minutes alone, certainly contributed to her success in university. One of her proudest moments was obtaining her MSW, Masters in Social Work, graduating ‘cum laude’.
Life’s Favorites
It was important to her to buy certain brands when it came to food. She was in her element when she was enjoying watermelon and greens. Her favorite refreshments were drinks made with mocha mix and orange pop. She loved buying linens for her bed and driving in her Jaguar XJ6.
Las Vegas, Nevada was her preferable vacation destination. Football was her favorite spectator sport and she loved cheering on the Seahawks. She was a Democrat who was honest to a fault and had no patience for liars. Life had its ups and downs but when she was injured in a fall in 2006, her life changed completely.
Walked the Talk
Annie was a devout Christian who loved her church home at the Pacific Christian Center. Deborah knows that Annie would like to be remembered as “the sweet God -fearing woman she was”. Annie dedicated her life to her Creator and believed she would find Jesus in the Great Beyond. She wanted peace in our world. She wished she could have had a closer relationship with her siblings and grandson. She lived to love and loved to live. Annie truly walked the path God had shown her with strength and grace.
Family Ties
Annie passed away on March 16, 2012 as a result of natural causes at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, WA. She was predeceased by her parents Doll Lumpkins Jenkins and Allen Bell, brothers Delany Jenkins and Mack Lumpkins, sister Alice Scott and husband Sgt. Ruben Thurman, Jr. She is survived by her siblings Vera Alexander, Betty Clack, Jamar Jenkins and Allenda Jenkins; her daughter Deborah Thurman-Yates and grandson Dennis Thurman
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