Thelma Truss

Obituary for Thelma French Truss

Sunrise: July 21, 1931 • Sunset: June 25, 2026

Thelma French Truss, age 94, peacefully passed away on June 25, 2026, in Moreno Valley, California.

Thelma was born on July 21, 1931, to John French, Sr. and Willie Wright. She was the middle child of three siblings, with an older brother, John French, Jr., and a younger sister, Marion French.

She graduated from Talladega County Training School on May 22, 1950. She continued her education at Talladega College before transferring to Alabama State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education on May 16, 1955.

Thelma began her teaching career in the fall of 1955 at the Georgia School for the Deaf in Cave Spring, Georgia, where she taught for three years. During that time, she met the love of her life, Leon Truss, and they were married on August 8, 1958.

Shortly after their marriage, Thelma and Leon moved from Alabama to California, where they welcomed their two children, Merrick and Tamalyn. She resumed her teaching career in Fontana, California, in 1963. In the fall of 1967, she joined the San Bernardino City Unified School District, where her first assignment was at San Gorgonio High School.

Committed to lifelong learning, Thelma earned her Master of Arts in Education from Azusa Pacific University on May 1, 1982.

After a distinguished career dedicated to educating and inspiring countless students, she retired from the San Bernardino City Unified School District in the spring of 1993, concluding her career at Curtis Middle School.

Thelma is survived by her brother, John French, Jr.; her children, Merrick Truss and Tamalyn Truss; as well as a host of grandchildren, cousins, extended family members, and many cherished friends.

Thelma found great joy in gardening, sewing, cooking for family and friends, and traveling with her husband. She deeply loved her children and provided them with every opportunity and resource available to her.

A faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church in San Bernardino, California, since 1958, Thelma devoted herself to serving others. She never hesitated to lend a helping hand, whether to family, friends, or complete strangers. If she learned of someone in need, she was among the first to offer her time, compassion, and support.

Thelma’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith touched the lives of many. She will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew her, and even by those whose lives she touched in passing.

May God comfort her family and friends during this time of sorrow and grant them peace as they celebrate a life so beautifully lived. Amen.

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