“She was a pistol,” said Tracy Thurmond. Those were his first words when asked about his late wife, Veronique Lyle Thurmond.
The late Thurmond passed away on Feb. 20, 2021. Her co-workers at Art on Broad, located at 1028 Broad St., Augusta, GA, held a small visitation for their friend Monday night for friends and family to convene and share stories about a woman small in stature but big on living. Thurmond worked there for eight years after spending time at the Art Factory, which closed in 2012.
However, Thurmond was active in the arts community long before then, advocating and supporting art around the CSRA.
Tracy met V, as she was affectionately called, at a Christmas Eve party in 1999. He worked at a package shop and was passing out mini bottles as gifts to those in attendance, and he made a point to save one for the girl he had seen around town.
“She was always around at the local art events, and there was something about her,” Thurmond said.
They went on a date and on New Year’s Eve, V presented Tracy with a chain that he proudly wore at the visitation. An anniversary gift. “She took me in as a stray off the street and I never left,” Tracy said wistfully.
[adrotate banner=”19″]
She was supportive of those in the vibrant Augusta arts community, no matter the discipline. Others at the visitation gushed about her willingness to aid others and give of herself– just not so much that she became a doormat. That much was clear. A special combination for a woman who lived life well.
An excerpt shared by her friends: “Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. We are all better for having known her. Though small in stature she was strong in spirit, a force to be reckoned with. V was loyal and true, and loved to take care of those lucky enough to be a part of her life. Her stories were always a lesson taught and her hugs could heal your soul. Our little French girl, Veronique, gone but not forgotten.”
Tyler Strong is the Business Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at tyler@theaugustapress.com
[adrotate banner=”35″]
