THELMA CLYDE BAILEY PACE

Thelma Clyde Bailey Pace, 104, of Vestavia, formerly of Mobile, Al Passed o Sunday July 12, 2009. Mrs. Pace was born July 7, 1905 in Demopolis, Al to Annie Dale Allen Bailey and Charles Britton Bailey. She attended Marengo County High School and received her diploma in 1922 after only three years. She then attended the Women’s College of Alabama, currently named Huntingdon College, graduating in 1926 and earning her Bachelor's Degree in English after only three years, she also attended the University of Alabama during the summers of 1924 and 1925. In 1953, she returned to Huntingdon College and received her second degree. Mrs. Pace was an English, Social Studies, Math and Science teacher at various schools including Albany High School 1925-26, Safford School 1926-27, where she was principle at the age of 21, Clark County High School 1928, 1933-35, 1941-1943, Barton Academy in Mobile 1943-45. To honor her for her contributions to her profession, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International initiated her into their organization in 1946. In 1945, she returned to her Alma Mater Marengo County High School until 1948. During the Second World War, she lived at Fort Barrancas while serving in the American Red Cross and served as the Head U.S. Army Hostess for the Forth Service Command in 1941-1944. In 2006, Thelma received a pin and Certificate from Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for recognition of her fiftieth year as a member. Mrs. Pace was a long time member of Forrest Hill United Methodist church in Mobile, AL. Mrs. Pace continued to teach until she retired in Mobile after 35 plus years of devoted teaching The former Miss Bailey met her soon to be husband Eddie Jackson Pace at Church in Union Hill and were soon engaged. They married on March 28, 1928 at her sister’s home (Irma B. Mitchell) in Thomaston, AL. They remained devoted to each other until Mr. Pace passed on Aug 10, 1986. Mrs. Pace is preceded in death by two sons, Eddie Jackson Pace Jr. born Jan 30, 1930, who died tragically on Dec 9, 1935 at the age of five and H.M. Pace born Sept 17, 1936 who passed away on June 19, 2007. She was also preceded by her sister, Irma B. Mitchell, and three brothers who passed at an early age. Mrs. Pace is survived by her daughter-in-law Barbara Pace of Bessemer, AL, her Grandsons, Daniel (Stephanie) Pace of Pleasant Grove, AL; Jonathan (Angie) Pace of Hopkinsville, KY, and 10 Great-grandchildren. Mrs. Pace is also survived by the Mitchell family members, Clifford Mitchell her nephew, nieces Shirley Crocker and Anne Etheredge which also includes several great-nephews and nieces. Mrs. Pace, a devote Christian, wrote in her bible “So-called Death is similar to a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, when God desires me to “fly like a butterfly” from a sick and worn out body (chrysalis).” Dated - September 25, 1972. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 14 July 2009 at 3:00 p.m. with visitation at from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Mobile Memorial Gardens, Mobile, AL. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Pace asked that donations be made to Forrest Hill United Methodist church in Mobile.

THELMA CLYDE BAILEY PACE

July 7, 1905 - July 12, 2009