Mrs. Thelma Laverne Savage Shootes was born to the late Ben and Lee Artis Carter Savage in DeSoto, Georgia. After the family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, she received her education in the schools of Duval County, graduating from New Stanton Senior High School in 1956. Furthering her education, she earned an A.A. degree at Edward Waters College (now University).

Early in life, Thelma accepted Jesus and at the age of six became a member of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, currently under the pastorate of Dr. Reginald L. Gundy. She was baptized and married by Reverend H.H. Robinson. Throughout the years, she has served in numerous capacities, including for many years, The Mount Sinai Junior Trio. At the time of her demise, she had become a Trustee Emeritus after serving many years.

Blessed with a spirit of warmth and generosity, Thelma found joy in guiding and mentoring the youth. Her compassion was not limited to formal roles-she was a confidante, a source of wisdom, and a steadfast friend to many. Whether organizing church programs, or lending her beautiful voice in song. Thelma's presence was a steady reassurance to all who knew her.

On June 24, 1956, Thelma was united in holy matrimony to Cass Wellington Shootes,III in Jacksonville, Florida. This union was blessed with four children.

She began her career, being employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield (now Florida Blue). With a steadfast commitment to personal growth and service, Mrs. Shootes embarked on a lifelong journey rooted in faith, family, and community. Her dedication to learning was matched only by her devotion to uplifting others-a quality that would shine brightly throughout her life. When she retired in August, 2002, she was a Legal Affairs Clerk Analyst and rendered thirty years of dedicated service.

Mrs. Thelma Laverne Savage Shootes departed this life on Saturday, June 28, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Cass Wellington Shootes, IV; and brother, Ben Savage, Jr.. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Stanley A. Shootes(Jacquelyn), Ms. Tatrice C. Shootes, Ms. Kaylen L. Shootes-Woodard and Ms. Rashana D. Anglin; grandchildren, Ms. StanVonna Shootes Gaulden(Jason), Stanley A. Shootes, II, Ms. Casandra W. Shootes, Jacquan V. Shootes, Cass W. Shootes,V, Ms. Jacquanta Shootes Steele(Cyrus, Christopher W. Shootes, Ms. Courtney W. Shootes; great grandchildren, Ti'ler Hearst, Devien Shootes, Tristan Ford, Zayden I. McKeag, and Torian M. Gaulden; brother, Eugene Savage(Rose) of Port St. Lucie, FL; sisters, Mrs. Gail Beasley(Randy) and Mrs. Eula Barnwell(Leon) both of Vero Beach, FL; sisters-in-law, Ms. Charlie Shootes Simmos and Ms. Virginia Shootes Johnson; a nephew raised as a son, Stacy B. Curry; a number of other nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.