Thelma L. Poston

Thelma Lillian Kirkland Poston passed away suddenly at 12:21 pm on Thursday, May 22, 2014, at the age of 83 years. She was born on August 4, 1930 in Camden, SC and was the youngest of ten children born to Everett Kirkland and Louise Brown Kirkland. Thelma attended Hampton University from 1947 to 1948. She pledged Delta Sigma Theta sorority during her freshman year. She transferred to Wayne State University in Detroit, MI where she met Carl Cardwell Poston, Jr., a law student at the same school. Carl and Thelma were married November 15, 1953. They moved to Saginaw, MI in 1955 where Carl started a law practice. They raised four boys in Saginaw: Carl III, Keith, Kevin and Craig. After raising her boys, Thelma formed the Thelma Poston Real Estate company. She joined the Saginaw Board of Realtors in 1970, becoming the first black woman ever to do so. In 1979, she brokered a real estate deal which allowed five African American men, including her husband, Carl Caldwell Poston, Jr., to create the first subdivision since the early 1960’s on the east side of Saginaw. Throughout the years, Thelma was known for her natural business savvy, her kind heart, and her competitive spirit. She was also known as an exceptional golfer. She won countless tournaments and always played from the men’s tee. In 1967, Thelma became a founding member, along with 11 other dignified women, of Saginaw’s Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The Delta’s later named their annual golf tournament in Saginaw in her honor: The Thelma Poston Annual Golf Classic. Thelma served on several community boards and received many awards over the years, too numerous to mention. Thelma and her husband Carl were honored in November of 1989 by the Coleman Temple Church of God in Christ as “Saginaw’s Living Legend” couple for more than 30 years of community service. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding Anniversary in November of 2003, as was featured in Jet Magazine. Carl and Thelma were happily married for 59 years until Carl’s passing on February 18, 2013. Thelma and Carl were both long time members of Bethel AME Church in Saginaw. Together, they represented a strong family, which promoted education, moral principles and values, and good business practices. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 535 Cathay Street. Rev. P. David Saunders, Pastor, with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Thelma Williams will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will be present at 7:00 p.m. for a Delta Sigma Theta service.

Thelma L. Poston

August 4, 1930 - May 22, 2014