Thelma Bowman Lucas, age 101, of Rochester Hills, Michigan died peacefully on January 23, 2019 of natural causes. Thelma had been a resident of Rochester Hills since 1956, and a resident of Oakland County since 1946.
Thelma was born on July 1, 1917 in Canyon Falls, Kentucky to Liberty Stephen and Lou Ann Bowman. A gifted student, she studied at Lees College and Eastern Kentucky University and began her teaching career at the Oliver School in Primrose, Kentucky at the age of 17. Thelma taught up to 60 students in her one room school, spanning grades K-8. Following her move to Michigan, she completed her Bachelors Degree at Wayne State University and enjoyed a 29 year career in the Avondale School District. Thelma taught first grade at Elmwood Elementary, then became one of the first Special Education teachers in Oakland County, completing her career at Stiles Elementary. In addition, she was among the first HeadStart teachers in the state of Michigan.
Thelma is survived by her daughters Deanne Lucas of Rochester Hills, Lyndell Lucas (Michael) McLean of Waterford Township, and daughter in law Marie (the late Michael) Lucas of Rochester; grandchildren Michael (LIz) Lucas of Grosse Pointe Woods, Deborah (the late Jason) Stallings of Rochester Hills, Katherine (Matthew) Johnson of Rhodes, Sarah (Tyler) Paxton of Orion Township, and Bryce (Stephanie) Culver of Rochester Hills; great grandchildren Amanda, Angela and Rocky Leonard, Ava, Violet, North and Evelyn Paxton, and Jettie Culver.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Bristol Lucas, and son Michael Warren Lucas, as well as her eight brothers and sisters: Clarence, Carl, Vernon, Virgil, Effie, Ethel, Eileen and Juanita.
Thelma was the oldest living member of the Stoney Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a long time member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. She was a talented gardener and enjoyed decorating, sewing and quilting, and painting. She took great joy in one-on-one time with her family members. Thelma had a quiet faith, a gentle spirit and unmatched inner strength. She forged strong connections with the people around her, always ready to offer encouragement and shared wisdom.
The family extends our gratitude to those special individuals who supported our mom and grandma in her later years, including Dr. Bradford Merrelli, Dr. Eva Youshock, and the Homestead Staff at Bellbrook Independent Living.
