Thelma Maul

~ O BITUARY ~   T helma Lee Beard Maul   was the   Matriarch   of the Maul family.       She was born in Gallion, Alabama to the late Zion and Amanda Eaton Beard.     She graduated from U.S. Jones High School, Demopolis, AL on May 23, 1952.    She later relocated to Bessemer, Alabama where she resided with her sister, the late Mary Kate Gaines.    She was educated at Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL.    Thereafter, she was employed as a Medical Nurse Assistant at the Bessemer General Hospital.     She accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Oak Grove Baptist Church, Oak Grove, AL. She later joined the Macedonia Baptist Church in 1958, under the Pastoral ship of the late Rev. B. B. Strowder, where she continued to serve faithfully for more than 59 years under the leadership of Pastor William E. Scott, of whom she loved most dearly.     She was united in Holy Matrimony to Deacon Auguster Maul, Sr. on February 16, 1958.    Their marriage exemplified an infinite love that stood the test of time.    She was a loving and devoted wife. Conceived to this union were five children: Gwendolyn, Jacquelyn, Auguster Jr, Donna Marie and Angela Louise.    Mother retired from public work and devoted her life to her family to ensure we had everything we would need in preparation for life’s journey; beginning with rearing us up in the admonition of the Lord.     She was the epitome of the “Virtuous” woman so eloquently defined in   Proverbs 31 . GOD bestowed many gifts of talent upon her.    She was an excellent cook and a magnificently talented Seamstress, of which she imparted to each of her girls.     She designed and made all types of furniture and was quite the Carpenter.    She had a very artistic gift of design for arts and crafts; unlike any item you would ever find in a store!     Also, she was known to be a natural Comedian amongst her family and friends and was always extended an invitation to be the “Headliner” entertainment at our family gatherings; keeping you laughing until your stomach was in knots and your face drenched with tears from laughter.     And last, but certainly not least, she was celebrated for her style of   Elegance   noted in her esteemed apparel; namely her exquisite taste in hats, coordinating gloves, shoes and accessories.    Never would you find Mrs. Maul in service without her gloves!   Mother had the sweetest spirit of anyone you would ever encounter; she was a lover of people and was loved by people near and far.    Her God given ministry was cooking and sharing with those who were sick and bereaved.    Her famous dishes of demand included chicken and dumplings, turnip greens, fried cornbread and delicious Sweet Potato Pies!    Mother’s sweet smiling face and spirit will be missed amongst us all.   She was preceded in death by her Mothers: Amanda Beard and Eunice Beard; Father: Zion Beard; Siblings: Karnice Beard Jones; Manley Beard; Zion Beard, Jr(Jack); Sylvester Beard(Jew); Sebron Beard(Jabo); Abraham Beard; Mary Kate Beard Gaines; Tillman Beard; Viola Beard Sims; and Benjamin Beard.   She leaves to cherish her sweet and fun-loving memory; a loving and devoted husband, Deacon Auguster Maul, Sr; five children: Gwendolyn Burrell(Albert)(Birmingham, AL); Jacquelyn Strother(Earnest)(McCalla, AL); Auguster Maul, Jr(Verna) (Colorado Springs, CO); Donna Warren(Steve)(Helena, AL); Angela Maul (Michael)(Bessemer, AL) and a very special Son, Leaudra M. Gaines. Two Sisters: Margaret Irvin(Salinas, CA); Elizabeth Beard Terrell(Demopolis, AL); three Brothers: Charles Beard(Betty)(Peoria, IL); Berry Beard(Atlanta, GA); Nicholas Beard(Verna)Atlanta, GA); one Brother-n-law; Henry Smith(Rose)(Dover, DE); ten Grandchildren: Keela, Jacqueise, Cory, Brian, Chris, Portia, Shetara, Matt, Angel and Cameron; Eight Great-grandchildren: Jasmine, Amarachi, Kaobichukwu, Corey Jr, Kaleb, Kadence, Evan,    and Naylan; one Great-great grandchild: Khloe;     A Host of Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.    Very special friends: Sis. Dianne Scott, Alice Royal, Linda Royal, Sarah Royal, Gertha Henderson, Beatrice Harris, LeeBelle Johnson and a host of special family friends.