Thelma Marie Lowry Boni

Thelma Marie Lowry Boni, of Daphne, Alabama, passed away Feb. 11, 2021. She was 80. Thelma was born Aug. 27, 1940, in Mobile, Alabama, an only child to Thomas Edwin Lowry and Thelma Cecelia Mareno Lowry. She attended elementary school at St. Matthew's, where she was a forward on the basketball team, sang in the choir and played piano. She attended high school at Convent of Mercy and studied business at the University of South Alabama before working in the banking industry. Thelma married Frederick Gerald Boni, Sr., a descendant of one of the Eastern Shore's founding families, on Aug. 23, 1975 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The couple honeymooned for a month in Europe, enjoying France, Switzerland and Italy, among other beautiful places. They settled in Baldwin County and had two children, Frederick Gerald Boni, Jr., and Thomas Francis Lowry Boni. Thelma loved her children unconditionally and supported them in all their endeavors. She was proud of Frederick Jr., for answering the call to the priesthood, and often touted Thomas' talents and professional advancements. She was a devoted homemaker and supported her husband throughout his career as a farmer and civic leader, until he died. After that, she joined a widows' support group and threw herself into volunteer and charity work. Thelma's life centered on faith. She was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church, but she also visited Shrine of the Holy Cross, St. Lawrence, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Visitation Monastery, Our Lady of the Gulf, Little Flower, St. Mary's and St. Ignatius, among other parishes. Rest assured, if there was perpetual adoration, a rosary or penance service, she would drive across two counties to attend it! Thelma went on pilgrimages in Medjugorje, Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem, and Rome. She participated in the Cursillo movement, and was a member of the Christ the King Church Ladies Sodality, the Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Prayer Group, and The Marian Society. In addition, she was a dedicated member of the pro-life movement. She believed in helping others, which included volunteering at St. Mary's Home and the Little Sisters of the Poor, singing at Mercy Medical, and supporting women with unplanned pregnancies. For fun, Thelma enjoyed the beach, especially Seaside, Florida; vacations in the Great Smoky Mountains; and attending Mobile Opera productions. She also was a long-time member of a Mystic Society and, earlier in life, attended many Mardi Gras balls. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Edwin Lowry and Thelma Cecelia Mareno Lowry; her husband, Frederick Gerald Boni, Sr.; brothers-in-law, Louis Boni Jr., and Robert Cecil Abbott; and sister-in-law, Mary Nell Abbott. She is survived by her sons, Frederick and Thomas; her sister-in-law, Sharon Ann Ostini Boni; her nephews, Michael (Aleecia) Abbott, Robert (Sherri) Abbott and John Boni; and numerous cousins, relatives and friends. Visitation is Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 9-11 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church in Daphne. The funeral Mass will follow, and will be live-streamed at https://www.ctkdaphne.org. Burial is at Belforest Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make monetary donations to Christ the King Catholic Church.