Thelma Bernice Mickens, also known as “Sister,” was a dedicated employee of Covenant House Health Services.

Mickens died June 25, 2012. She was 61.

Mickens was born Oct. 11, 1950, to Geneva Martin Harper and Walter Harper Jr. She was the second of four children. She was educated in the Philadelphia School District.

Mickens worked for Covenant House Health Services for 32 years. She served as office manager until she became ill.

She married Ivory Mickens on Jan. 5, 1991. They were blessed with a marriage full of love and dedication to each other and were rewarded with 21 years of happiness together.

During her illness, she was surrounded with love from her family as she held on to her everlasting faith.

She was known for her style and fashion consciousness. Her love for her family was ever everlasting.

“She gave us laughter, joy, patience, wisdom, love and friendship and endless inspiration to live life to the fullest,” her family said.

Mickens loved her church and her pastor. She was a member of Triumph Baptist Church under the pastorate of the Rev. James S. Hall Jr. She was a member of Triumph’s Martha Missionary Circle and loved to travel with the church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and sister, Leona.

In addition to her husband, Mickens is survived by her daughters, Stephanie and Erica; grandson, Brian; two brothers, Nathaniel and Walter Harper; two sisters-in-law, Renee Harper and Renee Howerton; three nieces, Carol Harper, Dawn Harper-Pinkett (Scott), and Lynette Harper; nephew, Brian Thomas (Keya); and other relatives and friends.

Services were held June 30 at 11 a.m. at Triumph Baptist Church, 1648-52 Hunting Park Ave. Burial was in Northwood Cemetery.