Thelma Yevette Elerby

January 9, 1930 - May 26, 2019

Thelma Yevette Elerby was born to the union of Roy E. Burgin and Clara Wilcox Burgin on January 9, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. She was educated in the Chicago Public School System. Thelma married Tom Elerby Sr. in 1950, and they raised six children Denise, David, Dennis, Deborah, Darryl, Derrick and Tom Jr., by a previous marriage. She and Tom both loved their children and were a three-fold cord not easily broken. After a study of the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, Thelma and Tom dedicated their lives to Jehovah and symbolized their dedication through water baptism, becoming a Jehovah’s Witness. She loved Jehovah and enjoyed being a part of her congregation. Thelma will be remembered for her love of entertaining people, her kindness and generosity. On May 25, 2019, surrounding by her family, Thelma Yevette Elerby fell asleep in death. She was preceded in death by her parents; children Denise, David and Dennis; and eight brothers and sisters. Thelma is survived by her husband Tom; children Deborah (Lawrence) Payne, Darryl (Virlia), Derrick, and Tom Jr. (Emma); grandchildren Brian, Tina, LaDonna, Larry, David, Cheryl, Truman, Reginald, and Lorna; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.