Thelma Bay

In memory of Ms. Thelma Bay, we present this memorial page to preserve the memory of the dedication and love Thelma gave to Waldo and its community. Ms. Thelma was deeply involved in various community programs, activities, and events for many years. She was a great friend to all, and we at the Waldo Area Historical Society will miss her greatly. 

Thelma Bay

Thelma Trieste Bay, 83, died on Friday May 2, 2025, at HCA Florida North Florida Regional Hospital. Her passing was peaceful, and she was surrounded by her family. She was born Aug. 10, 1941, in Gainesville to Mellis and May Trieste. She grew up in Waldo with her sister, Sue Trieste, on a farm. She married Herman Luis Bay on Dec. 5, 1963. They were lifelong companions and were blessed with four children, Gary, Paula, Bobbi and Brian. Thelma traveled across the United States, raising her children, while her husband was in the U.S. Air Force. After the Air Force, she and Herman started a woodworking business together. She was an avid reader, with her favorite genre being mystery. She has a long history of doing all kinds of volunteer work, including helping kids read at the Waldo Community School and crafting gifts for kids at Christmas. Thelma will be remembered for her endless kindness and her palpable charm that made every room she entered brighter. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. She was preceded in death by her firstborn son, Gary.

She is survived by her children, Paula (Fred) Pope of Gainesville, Bobbi Bay of Dahlonega, Georgia and Brian Bay of Waldo; grandchildren, Thomas Bay, Justine Bay and Frankie Kemp; and great-grandchildren, Madison Bay and Huckston Bay. She also leaves behind many friends.

Memorial services were held, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Community Square in Waldo.

Memories and Stories from the Community

"I have known Thelma forever!! A good friend to us and very good friend to the City of Waldo!! She did so much for so many!! God has a great helper in heaven now!! See you again one day Sweet Lady!!" - Diana Davis

"A very special lady and friend. She touched so many lives." - Jim DuBois

"Great lady, graduated HS with her X number years ago!" - Jim Davis

"Amazing lady. Always had time to speak with me and talk for a few. Sweetheart!" - Janet Davis Ehrisman

"I have known Thelma for thirty-ish years, I used to fix her cars. No matter what broke or needed fixing, (things break at the worst times) Thelma was always the same... positive, upbeat, taking care of others. She was as nice a lady as I ever met." - Shannon Boal

"...She was a great lady and will truly be missed." - Tesi Jester

"...Ms. Thelma was a wonderful lady. She will be missed." - Kelly Batie

"...She was a wonderful woman and had the most beautiful soul!" - Jessica Hinshaw Soulsby

"...a beautiful soul and friend who always found the time to check on me. I will always cherish our memories. God looked down and saw a flower that was ready to be picked and said come my child, come rest with me. RIP." - Lula Williams