Thelma A. Cypress Wimms, age 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 13, 2024 following several years battling dementia.

Thelma (“Temmie”) was born in Kittanning, PA on June 7, 1930 the eldest of three daughters to Alvin Cypress and Lydia Penn Cypress and was raised by her maternal grandparents Lida and John Penn after being orphaned at the age of 9.
She attended Kittanning public schools, and after graduation from Kittanning High in 1948, Thelma held several domestic jobs in Pittsburgh before moving to New York City to work for the Armed Services Procurement offices. Thelma returned to Pennsylvania and was married to Harry Wimms of Ford City PA on July 4th, 1953. Harry & “Temmie” Wimms raised three children – Teresa, Harry Kevin and Valerie – from this union.

Thelma was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, cousin, neighbor and friend. She was a staunch believer in Jesus Christ as her Savior and was most recently a member of Providence Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH. She moved from Ford City, PA to Shaker Heights, OH 17 years ago and quickly became a cherished member of her new community of neighbors, friends and church. Thelma loved meeting new people and being involved in the churches and communities in which she lived. Even in the most recent weeks – she still loved taking walks in her neighborhood, talking with the neighbors and children along the way. She was a mother who advocated fiercely for her children’s school and extra curricular activities; one of the first mothers of her era who worked outside the home; an activist and supporter of organizations and events that promoted higher education and better opportunities for black americans. One of her proudest volunteer activities was working for the first Obama campaign in her 80’s to ensure he became the first African American President of the United States. “A black president! Something I never thought I’d see in my lifetime.”

Thelma is preceded in death by her husband of 23 years, Harry Wimms, her parents and grandparents, and her sisters Lydia and Judith. She is survived by daughters Teresa (Terri) Wimms of Shaker Heights OH, Valerie Wimms of South Euclid OH and son Harry Kevin Wimms of Pittsburgh PA; esteemed grand son Jordan Davenport, extra special Golden child grand daughter Janina Riley Jackson, great grandsons Xavier and Sebastian Payne and a host of loving cousins.

Final arrangements are being completed at this time and will be updated as soon as confirmed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations in Thelma’s name: Providence Baptist Church, 12712 Kinsman Rd., Cleveland OH 44120.