It is with deep regret that the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs announces the passing of its longtime bookkeeper Thelma D. (Hicks) Goodwin on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. After working for 28 years at the Department of the Treasury, Thelma first came to the Washington Lawyers’ Committee to assist with claims administration following the successful conclusion of the Committee’s public accommodations case against Denny’s Restaurant in the mid-1990s. She later returned to work as the Committee’s bookkeeper from 1996 until her death. She also worked part-time for the Equal Rights Center from 2001 to 2014. A dedicated employee, Thelma was beloved by all at the office. She was an active member of her church and her sorority. Around the office, she was known to be an avid fan of the Washington professional football team. Current and former Committee staff appreciated her kind words, thoughtful advice, and support, as well as the snacks she always had on hand to share. She will be extraordinarily missed by her friends and colleagues. Thelma is survived by her sisters Ann Fleming, Carrie Washington, Rose Beale; a brother Wilson Hicks, Jr.; six nieces; three nephews; and other relatives and friends.

As a way to remember Thelma, we have decided, in conjunction with family consultation, to make a contribution to the R.E. Harshaw Foundation of the National United Church Usher Association of America, Inc. for its scholarship funding. If you attended her funeral, you know how involved Thelma was in ushering, not only at her church, but also on an area, regional and national level. Thelma was elected to be a trustee to the foundation in 2011, and until she passed, served as its vice president. The foundation provides scholarships for undergraduate tuition and graduate or professional stipends. If you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund in Thelma’s honor, please provide cash, a check payable to the Washington Lawyers’ Committee, or go to our website and select Thelma D. Goodwin Memorial Fund to make an on-line contribution by July 29th.

We have had an opportunity to consult with the family on the best way to honor Thelma and have decided to make a contribution to the R.E. Harshaw Foundation of the National United Church Usher Association of America, Inc. for its scholarship funding.   If you attended the funeral yesterday, you could not miss the fact that Thelma was extraordinarily involved with the usher board at her church and also on an area, regional and national organization level.  Thelma was elected to be a trustee to the foundation in 2011, and until she passed, served as its vice president.  The foundation provides scholarships for undergraduate tuition and graduate or professional stipends.  If you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund in Thelma’s honor, please send a check payable to the Washington Lawyers’ Committee or go to our website and select Thelma D. Goodwin Memorial Fund to make an on-line contribution by July 29th.