Thelma L. Shockey's Obituary
Thelma L. Shockey, 94, died Sunday, May 8, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. Born October 26, 1921 to Franklin and Elizabeth Sickmiller in Toledo, Ohio. She was the youngest of six children. She spent the majority of her life in Ohio until she moved to Texas in 1953, where she established a large family of her own. She was instrumental in starting the Headstart Program with Mary Grace Hutchison, in beginning the Early Childhood Development Program in the state of Texas, and in helping to get the first Branch Library (later known as the Walnut Hill Library) opened. She was an active member of the Dallas Women’s Forum and of many churches of diverse Christian followings, frequently volunteered at Wadley Cancer Hospital, and also founded and was headmistress of her own preschool on Royal Lane, called Shockey’s School, in 1966. Later, Walnut Hill Lutheran Church enticed her to utilize their building and add classes for 1st and 2nd grade students. She continued to run the school independently for several years before eventually joining forces with Royal Haven Baptist Church to transform the school into a full-fledged elementary school serving Pre-K through grade 6. She stepped down as headmistress of the school in 1984 to enjoy retirement after a long life filled with many accomplishments. From her retirement in 1984 until the time she turned 92 years old, however, Thelma was not content to merely sit around the house; she volunteered with many different organizations and continued to assist in teaching Bible School for as long as her health would allow. She also loved to work in her yard, tending the many flowers, plants, shrubs, and grasses with just as much care and attention as she gave to the many people in her life. No doubt this constant, loving activity helped to keep her young well beyond her years! She was preceded in death by three husbands: Harold Ruby, Richard “Dick” Shockey, and Wilbur “Bill” Grof. She is survived by: Daughter Barbara Kime & husband Jeff, Elisa “Missy” Shockey & partner Pam, Step-daughter Sandy Bonner, Step-son Dr. Michael Grof & wife Karen, Granddaughter/Right Arm Kelley Kime, two nephews and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers for the service: Jeff Kime Jr., Casey Kime, Jason Kime, Matthew Kime, R.J. Kime, and Nicolas Juan. Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Restland Funeral Home. Service will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, May 13, 2016 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 11425 Marsh Ln in Dallas, Texas. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
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