She was the widow of Leon Ridgell, Sr., was retired and a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Thelma was a very quiet, loving and caring person that deeply cared for people. She would exhaust all resources to make sure ''you'' were okay. Because of this loving and caring nature, she enjoyed working at Leisure Lodge Nursing Home (currently The Woods) talking to people (on the phone and in person); traveling and the enjoying the holidays. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sons, Leon Ridgell, Jr. ''BB'' â€" Private in the U.S. Army and Elbert G. Ridgell ''Chicken'' â€" Sergeant in the U.S. Army; her brothers-in-law, Donald Ridgell, Travis Ridgell and Earl Ridgell; along with other brothers and sisters-in-law; and a grandparent, Nancy Gonder.
She is survived by her grandsons, Pierre Malik (Rebecca) and Cory Ridgell; her sister, Clara Gonder-Thompson (Kenneth); her sister-in-law, Maxine Ridgell; her brothers-in-law, Dwight Ridgell, Billy R. Ridgell and Bommie Ridgell; along with many other nieces, nephews and relatives; and a very caring Godson and friend, Virgil Randolph.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jessie Washington and Pastor Thelma Hampton Harden officiating. Burial will be in Campground Cemetery. There will be a visitation one hour preceding the funeral service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. You can sign Mrs. Thelma's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(5)
Cindy Dunemn
Monticello, AR Saturday, July 8, 2023 My condolences to the family. Ms. Ridgell was a tenant when I worked at The Ridgeway. She was a sweet lady and dear friend to Virgil.Ramone Quintez Fisher
Pensacola, FL Saturday, June 24, 2023 My absolute condolences to the Family of Thelma Ridgell and she was a great source of inspiration for me and her family and friends and she loved being around people and She will be missed by me because she was a Christian lady in every way possibleCindy Ryan
Newbern, TN Friday, June 23, 2023 I am so sorry to hear this. I worked with Mrs. Thelma at Leisure Lodge over 30 years ago. She was a hard worker and loved her job. I enjoyed working with her. Prayers and hugs to all her family and friends.Maxine Ridgell
Monticello, AR Thursday, June 22, 2023 To know Thelma was to love her. She was the most kind and compassionate person you will ever meet. She never said anything harsh about anyone. There was always a smile on her face. She never met a stranger. Always there to help you in any way. She will be missed dearly by all her friends and co-workers. Rest on Sweet Sis. You earned your reward.We Love You Forever and Always,
Maxine And Your Ridgell Family
Stacy
Monticello, AR Thursday, June 22, 2023 l didn't know this lady, but l see there are no condolences and thought someone should leave something. She looks like she was probably a nice lady and l truly hope she had a wonderful life. God be with her family and friends.