Thurman Chester Obituary (1933 - 2018)

Thurman P. Chester departed this life and entered eternal rest on Friday, July 20, 2018 at Chesapeake Woods Nursing Home, Cambridge, Maryland at age 84. He was born August 13, 1933 to the late Lushia Perry and the late Elmer T. Jones, Sr. He attended public schools in Dorchester County, graduating from F.D. St. Clair High School in 1951. Following graduation, he served in the United States Air Force. After leaving the military he worked various jobs, including Cambridge Police Department, Eastern Shore Hospital in Cambridge and as a long-distance truck driver, to name a few. Thurman gave his life to Christ at an early age. He was a long-time active member of Bethel A.M.E Church. God blessed him with a beautiful melodious voice. He used that fabulous voice to sing in various groups, such as The Royal Lights and Mighty Unlimited Gospel Singers, to name a few. One of his favorite songs was “Ain’t it Sweet”. He greeted everyone with a smile. His home was always opened to family and friends. Everyone was his cousin. His favorite pastime was playing cards at Conifer Village Apartments. During the week, Thurman spent time spreading his joy at Pleasant Day Medical Adult Day Care. His singing talent awarded him the Gospel Great certificate for “The ability to make Pleasant Day jump!” On December 21, 1971, Thurman married the love of his life, Gussie Willis. Thurman leaves to cherish his memory one step-son, William Willis; four brothers: Sylvian (Mary deceased) Jones, Elmer (Shirley) Jones Jr., William (Estella) Jones, Paul (Sylvia deceased); two sisters: Irene (Donnie) Webb, Ella (James) Conaway; brothers-in-law: Isaac Carr and Nelson Carr Sharp; sisters in law: Rhoda Jones, Wendy Sharp, Lillian Perry; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Special friends who checked on him and provided cooked meals, food and services: Linda P. Wheatley, Pam Hunt, Karen Stanley, Austin Roberts and so many more. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gussie Chester; his adopted parents: Harrison and Louise Chester; brothers: Baily Hall (Clara), Cleion Jones, Awdry (Hattie) Jones and Richard Perry, Sr.; sisters: Ardessa Pinder, Betty Jones Cooper, Maggie Perry Cephas, and Mary Hunt.