Obituary: Thelma Jo (Sealey) Hays

TSD 1941

Thelma Jo Hays, 91, of Tomball, Texas passed away February 22, 2020 of Alzheimer’s with her family by her side. She was born in Corsicana, Texas on July 12, 1928, to parents Sallie Katherine Neeley and Clyde F. Sealey. Thelma Jo (Sealey) Hays graduated from Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, Texas where she met and found the love of her life, Fred Bruce Hays. Bruce and Thelma Jo married in 1950 and raised their family in Houston Texas. Thelma Jo is survived by four children Sally Guajardo (Art) Tomball, Texas, Julie Bertsch (Miron) Tomball, Texas, Beverly Burton (Channing) League City, Texas, and Bruce Hays (Lisa) of Montgomery, Texas. She is survived by her brother Travis Wayne Sealey. Thelma Jo was predeceased by her loving husband Fred Bruce Hays; daughter Freda Jo Carter; grandson Jimmy Clyde Carter, II; and granddaughter Haley Marie Bertsch.

Thelma Jo was a devoted wife, proud mother, and loving grandmother. She was a homemaker and enjoyed her family, drawing, bowling, embroidery, sewing, cooking, and lots of laughter. She was an amazing cook and loved desserts, especially Blue Bell Ice Cream. Her love was fierce, and her faith was strong. Her faith is a legacy which is now passed on to all her family. Her strong Christian faith started at First Baptist Church, Houston and continued to Sagemont Church, Houston. She also was a member and attended Lakewood Church for many years where she advocated for the use of certified American Sign Language Interpreters. She was proud to have four daughters who all became Certified ASL Interpreters and continue to serve in the Deaf Community. She loved her family immensely and if there was a grandbaby around, she had first claim. Thelma Jo would never leave home without her lipstick and strongly urged us girls to do the same. Red was her favorite color. She always wore a smile, as well as ordering those around her to “SMILE”! She passed on her appreciation and love for family, laughter, and Blue Bell Ice Cream!

Viewing ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Pasadena Funeral Chapel, 2203 Pasadena Boulevard, Pasadena, Texas at 10:00 am and service to follow at 11:00 am. Committal Service will be held Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 2:30 pm at Grand View Memorial Park and Cemetery, 8501 Spencer Hwy. Pasadena, TX. 77505

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