Thelma (Craig) Frederick

Thelma Craig Frederick, 97 yrs, of Perryville, MD, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 31, 2012.  Thelma passed away peacefully at home with her son by her side.  Born August 20, 1915 in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Stanley C. and Beulah Mae Taylor Craig. Thelma was the first civilian woman to hold a position of Procurement Officer at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, MD.  After she retired in 1969, Thelma devoted her life to helping others by providing care, physical assistance and companionship to many other retired ladies in the community.  For over 20 years, working alongside her sister, Beverlee, Thelma continued her work at the Chesapeake View Campground of Port Deposit, MD. Thelma was a very active participant in the community and was nominated and chosen in 2003 as one of Cecil County’s Most Beautiful People. She enjoyed playing the piano, puzzle books and spending time with her friends and family. Thelma was a graduate of the former Jacob Tome Institute of Port Deposit, MD, Class of 1933. Since 1966 Thelma had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 27, of Havre de Grace, MD, where she served as Worthy Matron in 1974.  In addition, Thelma was a Cedarette with the Tall Cedars of Lebanon for many years. Thelma was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church of Port Deposit, MD, where she was the organist for 25 years.  For many of those 25 years at Asbury United Methodist Church, she also served as the organist for Cokesbury United Methodist Church of Port Deposit, MD. Thelma is survived by her loving son, Craig W. Frederick, who was her caregiver for her remaining years.  She is survived by her sister, Beverlee Neff of Perryville MD; three grandchildren, Denise R. Frederick and fiancé, Jamie McMillan of North East, MD, Duane E. Frederick and wife, Kelly, also of North East, MD, and Dina Frederick-Gore and husband, Steven, of Cumming, GA; ten great grandchildren, Kimberly, Kourtnee, Kaitlyn, Kyrstin, Klaresa, Aaron, Amber, Maranda, Morgan and Addison; four step great grandchildren, Austin, Howie, Jesica and Jeremy; and six great great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Willis H. Frederick; sisters,  Betty Ann McKay, Vivian Charsha and Elaine Neff; brothers Glenn B. Craig, H. Stanley Craig (Dickie) and Joel Craig. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 766, Perryville, MD 21903-0766. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, January 5, 2013, 2 PM, at Asbury United Methodist Church, Port Deposit, MD. Visitations for family and friends will be held Friday, January 4, 2013, 6 PM until 8 PM, at the Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., Perryville, MD, and Saturday, January 5, 2013, 1 PM until 2 PM, at the church prior to the funeral service. An Eastern Star service will take place Friday during the visitation at the funeral home. Pastor Michael Caldwell of Asbury United Methodist Church of Port Deposit, MD, will officiate.  Interment will be in Asbury Cemetery, Port Deposit, MD. Arrangements By Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., Perryville, MD www.pattersonfuneralhomemd.com