Feb 2, 2024

Thelma V. (Smith) Souther, 93, of Simpsonville SC and formally of Mills River NC, went to be with our Lord on February 2, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.

 Thelma was born March 9, 1930, in Buncombe County, the daughter of the late Robert Smith and Ola (Kerley) Smith. The family moved to Haywood County in the town of Canton where she spent her childhood. Thelma moved to the Mills River area when she married and where she spent her adult life raising her family.

In addition to her parents, Thelma was also preceded in death by her husband Harry R. (Junior) Souther, along with several brothers and sisters.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children; son, David and wife Bari Souther of Mills River; daughter; Cathey Taylor and husband Charles of East Flat Rock; son Jimmy Souther and wife Gina of Arden; and daughter and wonderful caregiver Barbara Souther of the home and a sister Marie Jones of Mills River; five Grandchildren, Kyndra Souther Ray (Joey), Ashley Souther, Melissa Souther Cavenaugh, Whitney Souther Pasek (Matt), Jimmy Lee Souther ( Alex ); Nine Great Grandchildren – Layni, Audrey, Grayson, Lexie, Skyleigh and Harmoni, James, Elijah, and Jaxson

Thelma was a devoted Christian and it showed in her love for her Lord, and her devotion to her family, friends and community. Her love for her family was unconditional and boundless. She treasured her precious children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, family and faith were everything to her. Thelma was always with a smile; she was a giving person and would give to others before doing for herself. Thelma was a wonderful child caregiver for many years and helped to shape many young lives. She loved working in her garden growing and canning food and her beautiful flower gardens were amazing to the eye.

We would like to send a most special thank you to the wonderful caregivers who made Thelma’s last several years a true blessing to her family. Their special care and love for her gave her family a great sense of peace knowing she was so wonderfully cared for.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Shepherd Memorial Park, 5045 Asheville Hwy and Rugby Dr., Hendersonville, NC. Following graveside services there will be a luncheon celebrating her life at Horse Shoe First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 5050 Brevard Rd, Horse Shoe NC 28742.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth, and Families – 80 Lake Eden Rd, Black Mountain NC 28711.

Jackson Funeral Service is honored to serve the Thelma Souther family.