Obituary of Thelma Wood-Ringgold

Born on February 16th, 1951 to the late Bernard and Elizabeth 'Betty' Wood. The 2nd of four children, she enjoyed her childhood at 2422 W. Redner Street with siblings Bernice (1969), Valerie and Heywood (2022) and grandparents Richard and Amanda Barron. Educated in the Philadelphia School System at Reynolds Elementary, Vaux Junior High and Dobbins High School. Her education continued at Berean Institute, Temple and Lasalle University. Always eager to do work, she was employed with the Commonwealth of PA Welfare Dept; SEPTA as a Secretary & Analyst and last but not least the Philadelphia Police Department for 20 years as an officer, investigator and Police Corporal. Thelma was employed part time with the Academy of Music as an usher; T.A.I.G. as a residential supervisor and a brief employment with Phoebe Pharmacy. Proud mother to her daughter, Sherelle Evette, whom she raised as a single parent, giving her love, attention and as Sherelle developed into adulthood, they became best friends. In 1981 while employed at SEPTA, she fell in love with the late Wardell Ringgold Jr. Between dating and marriage, they were together for 38 years until his passing on September 1, 2019. Thelma embraced three sons during this unity Wardell III, Damon and Nicholas. As a young adult she attended Bright Hope Baptist Church where she was baptized along with Sherelle, nephew Erick, and niece Triena. Later, she joined Triumph Baptist Church and was baptized a second time. Her Godly assignment included taking youth in the family to triumph where Vanessa, Darryl, granddaughter Diamond, grandson Rahmeek and niece Jenna were all baptized. Thelma cherished her three grandchildren Darryl Rahmeek, Diamond and Yasir. God blessed to see the birth of three great grandchildren Ciyara, Xayne and Bella. At Triumph, she previously served on the Adult Usher Board, Children's Usher Board, Tutor Ministry, and Comfort Ministry. Also volunteering with The Neighborhood Adult Center with their Alzheimer's Support Group; a member of the Guardian Civic League, Fraternal Order of Police - Lodge 5 and book club at The West Oak Lane Senior Center. Many lifelong friends for more than 65 years and making new acquaintances all the time. She enjoyed line dancing at the West Oak Lane Senior Center and was part of Ray Nation Advance Line Group. Thelma received her crown when the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called her name on Thursday, October 5th, 2023. Blessed to have shared her life: daughter Sherelle; grandchildren Rahmeek, Diamond and Yasir; great-grandchildren Ciyara, Xayne and Bella; sister Valerie; step-sons Wardell III, Damon, Nicholas; 10 nieces; 13 nephews; in-laws Linda Wood, Verlon & Delores Williamson, Brit & Carolyn and Loretta Good, Sons in Love Michael Durant and Shelton Alford, Goddaughters Janiya & Kennedy, a host of cousins and friends.