Thelma H. Leonard, beloved Daughter, Sister and Aunt, passed away February 17, 2010. She was born December 28, 1917 (alongside twin sister Velma) in Ft. Cobb, OK to Joe and Bertha Hamilton.

She was an exemplary student in high school, where she and Velma led the high school basketball team to the state championship with their remarkable basketball skills. After attending college in Ames, Iowa and Oklahoma State University at Stillwater, OK, she earned her PhD in Home Economics, embarking on a colorful career as a Professor. She was on the staff at LSU Baton Rouge, LA, as head of the Home Economics Dept. until she retired in 1982. From there, she moved to Stafford, TX to be near her twin sister, Velma. Thelma shared her love of teaching with her students as well as teaching Sunday School in Baton Rouge and also at Quail Valley Baptist Church in Missouri City, TX. She also held memberships in the following organizations: Oklahoma State University Home Economics Alumni Association, Faculty Club of LSU, American Assn. Of University Professors, The Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, the Gamma Chapter of Kappa Omicron Phi National Professional Home Economics Fraternity, and was an Emeritus Member of the American Home Economics Association.

Thelma’s life was guided by her belief in the goodness and power of God and the human spirit. She lived her life as a devoted Christian woman and was loved and respected by those with whom she came in contact. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Bertha Hamilton, sister Geneva Simmons (John), and brother J.C. Hamilton (Willie Belle). She leaves to mourn her twin sister Velma Stovall of Stafford, TX, nieces Beverly Mathews, Bacliff, TX, Sharon Holmes (Roger), Palestine, TX, Pat Agres, Avon, CT, and one nephew Paul Hamilton (Sue) of Indianapolis, IN.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Chapter of your choice.