Thelma (Donathan) Bullard

Thelma Donathan Bullard of Murphy, NC (formally Sanford, NC) departed this earthly life to join her Heavenly Father in eternity on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Born in Aberdeen, NC on July 15, 1944, Thelma was the daughter of the late George Washington Donathan and Rilla Wright Donathan.  She was preceded in departure by her late husband James “Ed” Bullard.  Thelma was the baby of 13 siblings and has one surviving brother Paul Donathan of Carthage, NC, as well as one sister-in-law Honorea Donathan of Sanford, NC.

She is survived by 5 children whom she dearly loved, Wanda Gattis (Alfred) of Cameron, NC, Sharon Mulhall (Richard) of Ontario, CA, son David Flynn (April) of Little River, SC, twin daughters Tonya Carlyle of Sanford, NC and Sonya Grissom (Bill) of Sherman, TX.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Heather Mulhall, Tyler Flynn, Stephanie Mulhall, Richie Mulhall, William Grissom, Matthew Grissom, Cameron Carlyle, Jacob Carlyle, and her caregiver and granddaughter Carleigh Waid.

Among her many loved ones, she also has left us with 7 wonderful great-grandkids as well as numerous nieces and nephews that she cherished and loved dearly.

During her time here, Thelma dedicated her time to her family as a caregiver and homemaker and so much enjoyed making and preparing everyone’s favorite meals and desserts for her family and anyone that enjoyed country cookin’.  She enjoyed her flowers, her garden, and spending time, watching TV with her grandchildren.

Thelma loved her Lord and Savior and grew to become stronger and more faithful in her Christian Walk.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM at White Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery located at 3335 White Hill Road, Sanford, NC .

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to her beloved granddaughter, Carleigh Waid and husband JD that faithfully surrounded her with loving care and support as she journeyed to meet her Lord.  Their steady and constant love and care was so appreciated and cherished by our mother.

Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

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