Thelma Ruth Eakins

FARMINGTON – Thelma Ruth Eakins of Farmington entered eternal rest on May 9, 2025, at her residence at the age of 96. She was born on September 24, 1928, to the late Nesbit Jewel Cunningham and Effie May (Williams) Cunningham.

Thelma is survived by her children, Alberta “Birdy” Whitworth-Claywell and Lawrence “Eugene” Eakins; her grandchildren, John (Tracey) Zollman, Mark Zollman, Bradley (Tarah) Chandler, Jeff Claywell, Laura Claywell-James, Tina (Chad) Schlisher, Elisha (Brenden) Dockter; her daughter-in-law, Evelyn “Squeaky” Eakins; and her sister-in-law, Mickey Cunningham. Also surviving are fifteen great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and 1 great-great-great grandson.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Nesbit and Effie Cunningham; her children, Jewell Whitworth-Zollman, Gary Eakins, Thomas Eakins and Juanita Eakins Page; her siblings, Leola (Winford) Barnes, Howard Cunningham, George Cunningham, Addalinda Cunningham, Anna Cunningham, and Shirley Cunningham; and her son-in-law, Dennis Claywell.

Thelma worked as an assembly line laborer for over 20 years at Day Bright Lighting in St. Louis. In her free time, she enjoyed crafts, playing bingo, watching birds, and tending to her beloved flowers.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Interment to follow funeral service at Three Rivers Cemetery. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Shriners Children’s St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110. Share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.