Thelma Louise Jackson "Thomma" Nocentelli, born to Joseph Jackson and Mandy "Amanda" Smith on December 6, 1920 in Lafourche Parish, LA, gained her wings on November 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas.

Thelma was the second eldest of sixteen children. She stopped attending school in the 9th grade to assist in the care of her siblings, but later completed a junior course in first aid under the Auspice of New Orleans chapter and was granted the Title: Chairman First Aid on September 22, 1936. A few years later, Thelma and her brothers, Sidney, Wilbert, and Clarence, formed a quartet whilst harmonizing, in which Sidney played harmonica. Thelma also sang as Second Tenor with the group known as "The Midnight Bell Four Jr" consisting of Eliza Simmons First- Tenor, Leona Vearl- Baritone & her brother Sidney Thomas- Bass for many of years. When she was not busy with the quartet, she worked as a caregiver and cook for the Police Captain, Mr. Guy, and his young son. Thelma married James Thomas in the Spring of 1941. She then went on to later marry the late Rev. James C. Noncentelli in 1974.

Thelma enjoyed singing, designing, and sewing, reading the bible, which she knew from front to back, teaching Sunday school, cooking, and pressing hair. She was an avid N.O Saints fan through and through and loved wearing Mardi Gras Beads. In 2010, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer, but never lost or forgot her love for coffee. Thelma served as a Steward alongside her mother, Amanda, at the Flower Garden Baptist Church from childhood to adulthood. She then became a Missionary, for which she promoted faith in the community. Thelma was knowledgeable in health care that was taught to her by her mother, who served as a nurse during the war. She went on to join Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in 1963, where she participated in the choir, served as a voice coach, and volunteered for preparing suppers and baked goods for sales.

Thelma was the strongest woman we knew. She helped raise many of her grandchildren and taught them many life lessons and how to love others. Some of her children's and grandchildren's favorite moments were her making flapjacks from scratch, her cream of wheat, her biscuits and cocoa in the winter, and her everyday cooking, especially her famous gumbo! Thelma had a big heart which held a special place for every one of her children, grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren.  She always spoke of God's love and the sacrifice of Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ to everyone she met. She would give her last dollar to anyone and never wanted for anything. She always said, "The Lord gives me all I need".

We will never forget her life lessons and lessons on keeping faith and trusting in the Lord for everything we do. We will all miss her so very much as a loving Mom, Grandma, and Auntie Thelma, but she shall never be forgotten. Heaven sent us an "Angel" the day she was born. We all know that she will be watching over each and every one of us.

Thelma is preceded in death by her late husband, Rev. James C. Nocentelli; daughters, Andrea T. Stemley and Audrey Ella Thomas; granddaughter, Andrea II; sons, James Johnson Sr., Morris Thomas Sr., Glenn R Thomas Sr., daughter-in-law, Marva K. Thomas; and grandson Keith Stemley.

She is survived by a son, Harry J. Thomas II; daughters, Regina A. and spouse Kelvin Kelley, Debra T. and spouse, Daryl E. Adams Sr; daughters-in-law, Lena Johnson, Dianne L. Thomas, Darlene Johnson; twenty-seven grandchildren; seventy great-grandchildren; thirty-six great, great-grandchildren; twenty-six nieces, nephews; and a host of cousins of which all adored her.

Rest in peace, Angel, until we meet again.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020, at Azle and Lake Worth Funeral Home from 1:00PM to 2:00 PM.  A Graveside Service is to follow at 2:00PM at Azleland Cemetery and Memorial Park.