Mrs. Thelma Alice Grant Nix

Devoted mother and grandmother, prayer warrior, accomplished seamstress and award-winning quilter, Thelma Alice Grant Nix, 80, of West Union, SC, welcomed eternal peace in her heavenly home on January 4, 2023, after an inspiring and courageous battle with cancer. Born January 8, 1942, Thelma was a lifelong resident of Oconee County, the only child of the late James Harley Grant and Alice Cornelia Vollrath Pearson. A woman of deep faith, Thelma loved the Lord Jesus and will be remembered for her strength of character, unshakeable willpower, and life lived in selfless acts of love and service to others. A Sunday school teacher, self-taught pianist, and avid reader of Amish romance novels, Mama was always the first to call you at the crack of dawn to sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ then immediately hang up. She found great joy in reminiscing of simpler times highlighted by mischievous youthful adventures. Mama’s green eyes twinkled each time she recalled sweet memories such as rustling for peanuts in her Daddy’s barn then leaving empty shells as evidence, long walks to school through the woods with her favorite side-kick Wee Puppy and sneaking out as a teen to see her heartthrob Elvis star in Jailhouse Rock. Animals were fond of her tender way which easily earned the trust of many strays, including the charming and most spoiled furry companion, Pretty Boy. Mama fancied mowing grass and growing a garden, savoring each season’s first and last tomatoes as the best she ever had. She treasured gathering family and friends around the table for a homecooked meal where her legendary melt-in-your-mouth biscuits always took center stage. If you ever left the house hungry, it was your own fault. Mama allegedly enjoyed exercising at Senior Solutions, but we all know her primary motivator was to bake sweet, homemade delights to share with those special friends. Without doubt, food was Mama’s love language and sewing her life-long passion. An entire career allotted to the garment industry honed expert skills she used to fashion clothing, home décor, and fiber art goods for an extensive network built solely by word of mouth. Ever the curator of fabrics and odd notions, Mama’s beautiful handstitched quilts are precious reminders of her patience and unconditional love, ensuring proxy hugs and warm goodnights for those she leaves behind. We look forward to a joyful reunion in Heaven, where Mama promised to be waiting by the Crystal River. Thelma is forever cherished by her beloved family: Tracie Morris (husband Tim), Carla Denny (husband Keith); grandchildren Ashlyn Denny, Ian Morris (wife Megan), Andrea Morris; and great-grandson Maddox Wedgworth. Services will be private, followed by interment at Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Walhalla, SC, alongside her grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Calhoun Vollrath. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Tamassee DAR School, P.O. Box 8, Tamassee, SC, 29686, or any charity that seeks to spread the love of Jesus, Thelma’s best friend. A Life Celebration and display of her amazing quilts will be held Sunday afternoon, April 16th, 2023, at Tamassee DAR School. The family extends heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the kindness and compassion of Thelma’s caregiving teams at Interim Hospice, Bon Secours Oncology, and most notably the many dear friends who faithfully prayed, called, visited, sent cards or flowers, ran errands, and provided delicious meals. Your expressions of love brought many smiles to Mama’s face. May you all be especially blessed.

Mrs. Thelma Alice Grant Nix

January 8, 1942 - January 4, 2023