Thelma J. Poss

Thelma Jean Poss, 87, of New Castle, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Glen Oaks Health Campus in New Castle, IN. She was born May 19, 1929 in Sparta, TN, a daughter of the late Marvin and Kittie Lou (Hodge) Vinson.

Thelma was a seamstress in Tennessee before she and her husband moved to Indiana. She then had worked at area nursing homes, was a cook at several area restaurants, worked for Huntington Industries, and retired from the New Castle State Hospital. One of her proudest moments was when she fried the very first batch of chicken at the first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in New Castle, Vance’s Restaurant, while being supervised by Col. Sanders!

Thelma enjoyed quilting, gardening and canning, as well as fishing. She was also a very accomplished cook, and her greatest joy was hosting her entire family in her home for a meal.

She leaves to cherish her memory, seven children, Sam (Nan) Prater of Syracuse, IN, Floyd (Joan) Poss of Stanton, MI, Homer (Gladys) Poss of Greenville, MI, Annie Jones of New Castle, Jeff (Christine) Poss of Spring Hill, FL, Donna (Timothy) Sloat of Evansville, and Jeanetta Malkemus of New Castle; 19 granddchildren; 12 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. Also, a sister, Betty Passons of Doyle, TN, and a brother, William Robert “Bob” Vinson of Sparta, TN; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harrison Poss; a son, Jerry Prater; a brother and two sisters.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2016 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle, with services at 7 p.m. Pastor Matt Metoxen will officiate. Burial will be in Rose Cemetery in Sparta, TN. Memorial contributions may be given to the Activity Department of Glen Oaks Health Campus, 601 W. Co. Rd. 200 S., New Castle, IN 47362. You may share a memory or condolence of Thelma at www.hinsey-brown.com .