Thalia AKA Merles Thalia Shead Obituary (1930 - 2018)

Thalia S. Shead, 88, of Pasadena, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home, changing her address to heaven, on Saturday, December 8, 2018. She is preceded in death by her husband, William C. "Bill" Shead, former municipal judge for the City of Pasadena. Born April 2, 1930, in Van, Texas, during the exciting days of the East Texas oil boom, Thalia was the youngest daughter of Esther Tinsley Smith and Elmer L. Smith. She grew up with six siblings in their loving home, influenced by her parents' love for God, servant hearts, and active involvement in the Free Methodist Church. Thalia studied business at Central College in McPherson, Kansas, and was a lifelong learner through constant reading and collecting of books (and cookbooks). She was especially proud of -- and stayed connected to -- her fellow graduates of Van High School, class of 1947, who met annually in East Texas to share their memories and lives. She exemplified the "tough Texas gal" and "The Greatest Generation." In 1950, Thalia married law student Bill Shead, and when he became a licensed attorney, she served as his secretary/office manager, constant support, and campaign manager during his bid for state representative. Thalia operated an antique business for many years, most recently at Pasadena's Antique Junction. She had a keen eye for the unusual, seeing the beauty in otherwise overlooked items. She inherited her parents' practical approach and handcrafting skills and put these to use through crafts ranging from sewing and ceramics to furniture and doll repairs. Her passions included chicken art, dolls, family and local history, traditional Christian music, strong black coffee, and -- in later years -- online news and views available via her iPad. Thalia's faith in Jesus showed in her life of compassion and service. She and several of her sisters were founding members of Belfort Church of the Nazarene. She later attended Sun Valley Church of the Nazarene, Broadway Church of the Nazarene, and Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene and, at her death, was active at Sagemont Church in Houston. Thalia loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother -- her home full of love, fun, and good food. She always sported a mischievous smile and quick wit. When her siblings began racking up grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Thalia (who had only two granddaughters and one great-grandson) teased that she believed in quality over quantity. Throughout her life, she loved gathering with family and socializing with old and new friends. Thalia is greatly missed and cherished by her children, Sheri Lynn Brown (and husband, Montie Brown), Virginia Ruth "Ginny" Shead, Mary Elizabeth "Libby" Wilson (and husband, Mark Wilson), and Kathryn Rose "Katie" Kelly (and husband, Clifford Kelly); son-in-law Wally James; granddaughters, Courtney Morris and Stephanie Wilson; and great-grandson, Daniel Morris; along with a large extended family and many devoted friends. Thalia is preceded in death by her daughter Carol Suzanne "Suzie" Shead; her sisters Winifred Westmoreland, Ruth Sandberg, and Lela Palmer; and infant brothers Harrell Lewis Smith and Tinsley Smith. She is survived by sisters Grace McDonald and Blanche Snitchler and brother Edgar "Bud" Smith. A memorial celebration of Thalia's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at In His Presence Fellowship, 1202 East P Street, Deer Park, TX 77536. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made either to Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk Ministry, 540 Elkton Dr., Suite 201, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 OR to the college savings plan for great-grandson Daniel Morris (make check payable to American Funds, with "Daniel Morris college fund" in memo line and mail to Sheri Brown @ 1500 Country Ln., Allen, TX 75002. Thalia's family thanks her primary healthcare provider Dr. Kyler Knight and Nurse Robin Wilson for the compassion, friendship, and excellent care they gave her in the past years. "Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God -- believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it was not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." (John 14:1-4)