Uncrowned Community Builders

Mrs. Thelma Clarice Batts was born to Hilgrove and Geraldine Adderley in Pembroke, West Bermuda on July 16, 1924. Throughout her lifetime she has lived in various foreign countries with her spouse, e.g. Japan, England, Bermuda, and concluded her military travel when Sgt. Batts was assigned to Niagara Falls Air Force Base.

After the loss of her husband while he was on a tour of duty in Korea, Mrs. Batts established residence in Buffalo, New York with her only daughter, Patricia Clark, who is also an Uncrowned Queen. While in Buffalo, she began her volunteer service with the breakfast and lunch programs at Public School 23. Through her diligence and love for the community and children, she enrolled in Bennett High School and received her diploma with awards and honors. Mrs. Batts then began employment as a Teacher's Aide.

For years she worked with Pre-Kindergarten students at both schools 23 and 17. She was also an active member of the Parent Teachers Association. She was an active member of the William Emslie YMCA and St. Philip's Episcopal Church where she served on the Committee for Episcopal Church Women's Organization, Chaplain; the Altar Guild; and St. Philip's Annual Festival.

Mrs. Batts was formerly a member of the board of directors for the Niagara Frontier Association for Sickle Cell Disease, Inc., where in 1986 she received an award for fundraising efforts; Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center; the Women for Human Rights and Dignity program; the St. Augustine's Center Board of Directors; and the Amsterdam Street Block Club. She received awards from: the YMCA Partners for Youth for service, Salvation Army Golden Age Center for Cooperation and Sportsmanlike Conduct during the 2000 Olympics, and numerous others.

Thelma received numerous certificates of appreciation including the YMCA Century Club for "generous support of YMCA programs" and a Proclamation from Women for Human Rights and Dignity for "giving countless hours of volunteer service over and above the call of duty."

At age 70, the Common Council City of Buffalo proclaimed "July 16, 1993 - Thelma C. Batts Day in the City of Buffalo." Thelma also received proclamations of appreciation for her service from Governor Mario Cuomo and Congressman Jack Quinn.

Mrs. Thelma Batts retired from the Board of Education in 1992 and continued to serve the Buffalo community as a dedicated volunteer in various progressive organizations. Mrs. Batts has three grand children, DeAnna and Jaye who reside in Baltimore, Maryland and Devon who resides in Seattle, Washington.

At 95 years of age, Thelma began a new chapter in her life when she moved to Georgia, where she was affectionately known as "Nana-Nana" by her great grandchildren. This phase of her life brought her immense joy and a deep sense of fulfillment as she lived among 4 generations until her peaceful passing, surrounded by the love of her family. Thelma served as the beloved matriarch, leaving behind a legacy of love and wisdom thaat will forever be cherished.