Thelma Poythress, Atlanta, died Aug. 28, 2008. She was born Nov. 8, 1936 in Senoia, Ga. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Will and Lizzie Mae Andrews Hayes, three brothers, and three sisters. She joined the Neriah Baptist Church at an early age. She attended Central High School in Newnan, and was self-employed. She was a very good seamstress and a loving, devoted mother.

Services were at the Neriah Baptist Church, Senoia, with interment at the church cemetery. Survivors include a son, Kenneth L. and Faye Poythress Sr., Orange Park, Fla.; a daughter, Sheila F. Poythress Smith, Newnan; special friend, Julius Allen, Atlanta; ex-husband, Joseph Poythress, Newnan; a brother, Willie Carl Hayes, Forest Park; sisters, Margaret Dell James, Riverdale, and Alice Donaldson, Atlanta; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Roscoe Jenkins Funeral Home, Newnan, was in charge.