Thelma B. Snellings, 98, of Yorktown, passed away on February 22, 2024, holding her daughter’s hand and surrounded by family members. She was born and raised in Falmouth, Virginia, and was the last survivor of nine children born to Henry and Lillian Boutchyard. In 1942, Thelma married Thomas Snellings of Falmouth, and they were happily married for 57 years before Tom passed away in 1999. Thelma and Tom were members of Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church in Falmouth for many years. After she retired from the physical therapy department at Mary Washington Hospital, she and Tom traveled the country in their RV before becoming “snowbirds” in Mesa, Arizona, for seven years. They then moved to the Peninsula to be closer to the family.

Thelma is survived by her daughter, Joanne Bender (Tom) of Yorktown, with whom she lived for 17 years. She has four grandchildren: Mark Beagle (Gail) of Poquoson, Robert “BJ” Baloga of Yorktown, Christine Rankin (Ed), and Brian “Scott” Beagle of Yorktown; seven great-grandchildren; and eleven great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for noon on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Temple Baptist Church in Newport News, officiated by her great-grandson, Pastor Matthew Beagle, and Pastor Wes Taylor. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. A reception will follow in the church social hall to celebrate Thelma’s life. The burial will be at a later date in Fredericksburg, where she will be laid to rest next to Tom.

The family would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Cooper and Gentiva Hospice for their care and compassion for Thelma.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Temple Baptist Church, 235 Harpersville Road, Newport News, are suggested.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.