Thelma “Nums” Jackson died peacefully in Wilmington DE on September 28. She was nearly 89 years old. Thelma was preceded by her love, Lou, just four months ago. Throughout her lifetime, Thelma gave from her heart to family and friends, acquaintances and strangers. She was always available to others, and would literally give you the shirt off her back if you complimented her on it. Thelma enjoyed volunteering, and she was a generous supporter of numerous charities and QVC.
A life-long Delawarean, Thelma was born in 1933 in Wilmington to Clara (Porst) and Charles Huber, Sr. Thelma was a 1951 graduate of P.S. duPont High School. Through a work/study program funded by E.I.duPont de Nemours, Thelma attended Goldey Beacom College; and upon graduation in 1953 she continued with duPont as a stenographer.
On New Year’s Day 1954 Thelma was introduced to the dashing Lou “Tex” Jackson by their mutual friend, Bob Stack. Thelma and Lou married on June 5, 1954 and began 68 loving years of marriage. Thelma and Lou were married in St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church and were members throughout their lives.
From an early age, Thelma loved to dance, attending high school and neighborhood dances at every opportunity. Thelma taught Lou to dance, and they went on to charm others with their combined talents. Being of similar short stature, they were simply adorable on the dance floor, and swept many jitterbug contests.
Thelma spent most of her DuPont administrative career in Chemicals, Dyes & Pigments at Chestnut Run before moving to Wilmington offices in the Brandywine Building. As Lou also worked downtown, they’d meet most days for lunch and stroll Market Street holding hands. Thelma retired from DuPont in 1992 after 39 years of dedicated service to join Lou in full time grand parenting.
As retirees, Thelma and Lou made their first trip abroad to France, enjoyed numerous domestic trips with the Telephone Pioneers, and cruised with family and friends. Devoted to her family, Thelma’s favorite times were spent among them, whether at small impromptu meals or large holiday gatherings. Thelma enjoyed the physical and social benefits at Curves and Beyond 50; and she looked forward to dining out monthly with her RODEO (Real Old Dames Eating Out) Girls.
In addition to Lou, Thelma was predeceased by her parents Clara and Charles Huber, Sr.
Thelma is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Paul Amer (Moultonborough, NH), and three cherished grandchildren Sarah (Brookline, MA), Samuel (Hoboken, NJ), and Libby (Jamaica Plain, MA). Additionally, Thelma is survived by her sister Joan Huber (Wilmington), brother Charles Huber Jr and his wife, Thelma’s best friend, Lyn (Wilmington), and sister-in-law Ann Humphreys (DeLand, FL) as well as many dear nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
We are deeply indebted to family friends Jack and Audrey McCullough and their children, Clare Pienkowski, Fran Dickerson, and Stephanie Harris for their love and support. A special mention goes to Mary Lou Bartlett and Brenda Hagelstein, Thelma’s first cousins as well as her friends. The family truly appreciates Shipley Living and Delaware Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.
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