Thelma Aleese Adams Canter

Thelma Aleese Adams Canter, age 97, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Carolina Caring in Catawba County. Born on Sunday, May 15, 1927, in Alexander County, Thelma lived a life rich with love, family, and joy for the simple pleasures in life.

Thelma was known for her warm heart and generous spirit. She enjoyed traveling to new places but found joy in the comforts of home, where she spent countless hours sewing and quilting, expressing her creativity through beautiful fabrics. A nature lover at heart, Thelma always kept a garden, but she delighted in feeding the birds and watching them and the squirrels, cherishing the moments that these pastimes provided. In quieter times, Thelma found solace in doing puzzles and reading her Bible, grounding her faith and providing her with strength throughout her life. Thelma attended Stony Point Tabernacle while her health allowed.

Her legacy continues through her loving family, including her children: Michael Lee Burgess (Becky), Gary Burgess (Vera), Alana Matheson (Hal), and Rodney Burgess (Darlene). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Dawn Barnes (Tim), Derrick Burgess (Amanda), Stephen Scronce (Nicole), Christa Phillips (Darrell), Paul Burgess (Tammy), Lena Pruitt (Ben), Billie Burgess, Patricia Burgess, Rebecca Matheson, and Danielle Sigmon (Josh). Thelma was also blessed with 21 great-grandchildren and 33 great-great-grandchildren, three nieces, four great-nieces, and one great-nephew all of whom will fondly remember her kindness and love. Also her special fur babies in her life, Lilly and Daisy Mae.

She was preceded in death by her parents, R.L. and Mavis Blakenship Adams, her spouses Marice Howard Burgess and Atwell Canter, and her siblings Robert Sloan Adams, Ethel Moore, and Olan Adams. Additionally, her son Alan Larry Burgess has also passed away.

Thelma's remarkable life will be honored in a memorial service held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Alexander Funeral Service in Taylorsville, North Carolina, beginning at 1:00 pm. Bishop Steve Rich and Rev. Tim Barnes will officiate. Inurnment will be with the family.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Stephanie Kilby, Chasity, and Patsy Icenhour.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Life Church Fellowship, PO Box 2153, Thomasville, NC 28361.

This gathering will celebrate her life and the mark she left on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. As family and friends come together to remember Thelma, her spirit will undoubtedly live on in their shared memories and stories.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com