A lifelong resident of Fayetteville, Ark., Thelma Elvins was born Nov. 21, 1932 to Waldo G. and Maydea E. Austin. She passed from this life on September 21, 2019 from complications after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one son, Clyde Alan Elvins; and sisters, Helen Lackey and Mildred Austin. Thelma leaves behind her beloved children,William Elvins and wife, Bonita of Houston, Texas, Gary Elvins of Houston, Texas, Katherine Jones of Rogers, Ralph Elvins of West Siloam Springs, Okla., Susan Elvins of Fayetteville and Jay Elvins and wife, Paula of West Siloam Springs, Okla.; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Rosemary Austin; nieces, Evelyn Shaffer and Patricia Ramsey; and many, many friends.
After retiring from Campbell Soup, she then worked for Cooper Industries for many years. She enjoyed countless hours playing bingo at both Fayetteville and Springdale Senior Activity Centers. She was very active in supporting the Washington Regional Cancer Support Home and many organizations to champion the fight against cancer. Her positive attitude gave inspiration to many people coping with cancer. As an active supporter she participated annually in the Race for the Cure and Relay for Life. She was known for her warm and unpretentious hugs.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Beard's Funeral Chapel, 855 S. Happy Hollow Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Washington Regional Cancer Support Home or the Washington Regional Friends of Hospice, c/o Washington Regional Foundation.
A remembrance gathering will be held immediately following the service at the Fayetteville Senior Activity & Wellness Center, 945 South College, Fayetteville, Ark. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.

Published September 25, 2019