Thelma Jean Alexander passed away August 14, 2007 in Hobbs, New Mexico. She was born August 19, 1921 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to A. K. and Missouri June (Demory) Suggs.

Thelma Jean Suggs was married to C. V. "Cottie" Alexander in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma at the First Presbyterian Church by Dr. W. T. Reynolds on January 25, 1942. Together, in 1950, they established “Cottie's” Department Store on Chickasaw Street. “Cottie's” remained the family business for over thirty years. Her husband preceded her in death on August 31, 1996.

Except for time spent while Cottie was stationed by the Navy in Seattle during World War II, Mrs. Alexander lived in Pauls Valley almost her entire life. She moved to Hobbs, New Mexico with her daughter, Marilyn, in 2003.

She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pauls Valley where she once served as church secretary and was a member of the church choir. She and her husband, Cottie, enjoyed playing duplicate bridge, both being ranked “Life Master”, and she was an avid player in local clubs. The couple enjoyed cruises. Her daughters, Jeanne and Marilyn, remember her as a sweet and gentle woman who provided constant and loving support throughout their lives.

She is survived by her daughters, Jeanne Duberstein and her husband, Michael, of Kihei, Hawaii and Marilyn Dill and her husband, Gary, of Hobbs, New Mexico; three grandchildren, Grant Davis Denny and his wife Lori of South Pasadena, California, Phillip Denny of Phoenix, Arizona and Frances Duberstein of Ann Arbor, Michigan; three step-grandchildren, Emily Dill, Isaac Dill and Moses Dill; two great-grandchildren, Sydney and Max Davis-Denny; one sister, Wanda Henry and her husband, Hiram, of Stillwater, Oklahoma; one brother, Paul Ross and his wife, Janis, of Barry, Texas.

Mrs. Alexander was preceded in death by four brothers, L. E. Kenneth, Carl and Ansel Suggs; and by one sister, Clytelle Roselle.

Memorials may be sent in Mrs. Alexander's name to the First Presbyterian Church at P. O. Box 506 in Pauls Valley, OK. 73075.

A visitation for family and friends is set for Sunday afternoon from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 20, 2007 at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church officiated by Rev. Tom Buzbee. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home.