Thelma J. Hines

Thelma Jean (T.J.) Fox Hines was the daughter of Gwendolyn and Robert Grant.  Though she was actually born in West Virginia where her mother was from, she grew up in Northeast Washington, DC.   Thereafter, except for her college years, she lived in Washington or in the area.  

Thelma graduated from the Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland.  She matriculated at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, graduating with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in English.  Later in life, she studied for a Master's degree at Coppin State University in Baltimore.  

While she worked at a number of jobs, she gravitated toward an interest in children and reading. Later in life, she was on the staff of the Barrie School in Silver Spring and did private turtoring.  

Both Gwen and Thelma were members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and were long time members of Xi Omega Chapter in DC.  Thelma enjoyed the sisterhood of her sorors.  She served the chapter well by participating in and supporting several initiatives.  

After Gwen's death in 2023, Thelma honored her mother by becoming "The Book Lady".  Gwen was an elementary school teacher in DC for many years.   As the Book Lady, Thelma organized and hosted events where books were given away.  While the focus of the events were children, she sometimes gave away books for other demographics.  Thelma carefully curated the books she purchased.  Their scope was impressive.  For these events Thelma decorated the tables with African print fabrics.  She read stories.  There were activity stations for the children.  Her first event was held at Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, DC.  After that she was invited to host events at other churches and venues.

Another interest of Thelma's was food insecurity.  She both volunteered and financially supported the Capital Area Food Bank.  She did food rescues and deliveries for Food Rescue US, DC chapter.  Just a few months ago, Thelma was featured in an Instagram posting by the program.  

Thelma was briefly married about 30 years ago.  She was predeceased by both parents as ell as her maternal grandmother, Thelma, (for whom she was named), of West Virginia.  A memorial  service will be held in the spring. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Boston St. Fort Funeral and Cremation Services.

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