Thelma Juliana Denison (Sizemore)

Thelma Juliana Denison (Sizemore), 85, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, in White City, Florida. Born on July 18, 1940, in Wyoming County, West Virginia, Thelma later made Fort Pierce her lifelong home, a place where her resilience, grace, and quiet elegance became known to many.

When she first arrived from West Virginia, Thelma worked as a secretary for Attorney Rupert Smith and at Canaday’s Pharmacy as a “soda jerk,” as she fondly described it. It was during that time, in 1958, that she met her husband, Paul L. Denison, Jr. After their marriage, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to caring for her home and family.

Thelma was a gracious and selfless woman whose steady presence brought comfort to everyone around her. She was her family’s guiding light in any storm, offering a tremendous amount of wisdom and an endlessly comforting spirit. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she gave them the tools to be better humans by teaching them by example through kindness, patience, and love. Her love for her children was immeasurable, and her devotion to them shaped every part of her life.

Her husband often said she was the prettiest redhead in St. Lucie County, and those who knew her admired the simple, effortless elegance with which she carried herself. Her son Jeffrey described her as “methodically cool,” a perfect reflection of her calm, thoughtful, and composed nature. Thelma also held a deep love for God and was a faithful member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in White City.

She is survived by her five children, Robert Denison, Gregory Denison (Gina), Jeffrey Denison, Steven Denison (Christina), and her daughter Melissa Harnage (Steven); her five grandchildren, Brian Denison, Katie Denison, Jennifer Milton (Toby), Alexander Denison; and four great-grandchildren, Tucker, Maggie, Rowan, and Cove. She also leaves behind her sisters Margie Walker Lloyd, Daisy Welch, and Hazel Sizemore; her brother Tommy Sizemore; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Paul L. Denison, Jr.; brothers Raymond Jay Sizemore, Sr., Marion Sizemore, Herman Sizemore, Jack Sizemore, Sherman Sizemore, Jr., Lee Roy Sizemore, Will Sizemore, and Harold Sizemore; and her sisters, Ann McDonald and Vida Brooks.

In keeping with Thelma’s wishes, she will be cremated. A celebration of her life with family will be held at a later date.

Thelma will be forever remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her wisdom, her faith, and the steady, loving presence she brought into the lives of all who loved her.