Thelma Branum Ridgway

THELMA PEARL BRANUM RIDGWAY, 94, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2015 in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was the widow of John Riley Ridgway, Jr. She was born September 12, 1920 in Houston, Texas, where she lived most of her life. She attended Rice University for three years in the 1930’s and received her bachelor degree from the University of Houston in 1968. She taught elementary school in the Houston School District. She and her husband were long time members of First Christian Church of Houston.

Thelma is survived by her brother Richard Davis Branum and wife, Jane; her son, John Riley Ridgway, III; her daughter, Patti Sue Ridgway Heininger and husband, Lewis Jr. “Bud”. Surviving also are her nieces, Beverly Tackaberry; Kathy Wright and husband, Michael; nephew, Lee Branum and wife, Mary; grandchildren, Jennifer Ridgway, Chris Ridgway and wife, Amy, Adam Ridgway, Melissa Ridgway, Matt Heininger and wife, Jennifer, Laura LiBassi and husband, Nick; and 9 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents William Clifford Branum and Bessie Lee DuPree Branum; sister, Bernice Bessie Branum Rogers; brother, Gerald Clifford Branum; and son, Paul William Ridgway.

Friends may call at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2015.

The Reverend Dr. Michael T. Dunn will conduct funeral services in the chapel at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Following the service, Thelma will be laid to rest beside her husband John at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church of Houston.