Thelma Garrett Raynes 93, of Dunbar died peacefully Wednesday, February 27, 2008, at Hubbard Hospice House following a short illness.

She was born July 20, 1914 in Gassaway, West Virginia to the late Robert H. and Myrtle Westfall Garrett.

Thelma was one of the first residents to move into the Dunbar Towers 30 years ago, following her retirement in 1974 from Thorofare Super Markets, formerly Evans Super Markets. During retirement she enjoyed frequent trips with the Ina Webb Travel Club, and she always kept a suitcase packed and handy to visit her children and grandchildren at the slightest hint of an invitation. She was a long time member of the A. J. Humphreys Memorial Methodist Church in Dunbar where she was active in the Womens Circle and sang soprano in the church choir. Up to her final days she was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Charles Nathaniel Raynes, her daughter, Barbara R. James, her son Charles N. Raynes, II, sisters, Ruby Townson, Freeda Miller, Fern Kleiner and one brother Robert I. Garrett.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Dr. Robert S. and Madelyn Sadd Raynes of Palm City, Florida, one sister Kathleen Vance of Cross Lanes, three nieces Phyllis Metheny of Dunbar, Cyndie and husband John Pepson of Gaithersburg, MD, Michelene and husband Mike Leuken of Viera, FL, three nephews Dr. Charles and wife Peggy Horton of Fernandina Beach, FL, Robert Garrett of Fridley, MN and Timothy and wife Nancy Garrett of Ashland, WI, eight grandchildren Jennifer and husband Frank Kyle of Nashville, TN, Charles "Chip" and wife Michelle James of New York City, Robert S. Raynes, Jr. and wife Lisa of Palm City, FL, Rebecca R. and husband Rob Dinsmore of Morgantown, WV and Charles N. Raynes, III, Ola Lorraine Raynes, Mark C. Raynes and Carra R. and husband Alan Verette all of San Antonia, TX. Thelma was the proud great-grandmother of eleven and great-great-grandmother of one.

She enjoyed playing Scrabble with and appreciated the care given by her special friend Ann Bowen Mallett. Special thanks go to Lillian Diamond, a neighbor, for the tireless service and attention given to Thelma.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennawa Drive, Charleston, WV 25311.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 2, at Dunbar United Methodist Church, Grosscup Avenue Sanctuary, with the Rev. Dr. Okey B. Harless officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, March 1, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.