Thelma Geneva Colbert

Thelma Geneva (Vaughn) Colbert was born October 19, 1928 to James and Ethel (Smallwood) Vaughn in Fulton, Missouri. She was the third of six children; Howard, Louise, (Thelma), Juanita, Eugene, and Goldie.

Thelma completed her early education in Fulton, MO and went on to study for a year at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. There, she met and married Richard Lee Colbert. They settled in Kansas City, MO. Richard and Thelma welcomed five children; Lavonda Colbert Scott, Victor Colbert, Gregory Colbert, Marsha Lacey, and Richard Colbert III. Thelma was employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at St. Joseph Hospital, now known as St. Joseph Medical Center, where she retired after 40+ years of service.

Thelma grew up in the church, accepting Jesus as her Savior at an early age at Calvary Baptist Church in Fulton, MO where her Mother Ethel was a Missionary and her Father James (Jim) was a Deacon. She became a member of Bannister Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO and remained a member until she could no longer drive.

Thelma enjoyed being a certified Nursing Assistant. She also enjoyed collecting coupons and reading the Kansas City Star and The Call Newspapers, so much so that she seldom threw away old copies of the newspapers. Oftentimes, husband Richard would refer to the library where the newspapers were stored as "a fire hazard". Thelma could be counted on to work at all of the voting elections. She would come home after every election and excitedly share how she had good conversations with family and friends who would come to vote. Thelma's third hobby was joking with husband Richard. Their jokes about one another kept friends and family rolling on the floor in laughter.

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.

Thelma is known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and peaceful spirit. As one family friend said, "Mrs. Colbert was all about being fair, she never liked conflict!". The family would like to thank family, friends, Nursing Care Staff, and Funeral Staff for your service and prayers. Thelma peacefully went home to be with the Lord on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Thelma was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years Attorney Richard Lee Colbert, three sisters Juanita McBride (Jack), Louise Wiggins (Artis), and Goldie Vaughn (March 27, 2025), two brothers Eugene Vaughn (Lola Mae) and Howard Vaughn (Catherine), daughter Lavonda Scott Colbert, son Gregory Colbert (Ginger), and Grandson Leyman Terrell Colbert. She is survived by children Victor Colbert (Debra), {daughter-in-law Ginger (Gregory)}, Marsha Lacey, Richard Colbert (Terri), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren Maliyah Colbert, Bentley Tye Chambers, and Zara Elizabeth O'Bryant.

A visitation for Thelma will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. A Homegoing Celebration will follow at 12:00 PM. Burial will take place after the service in Mount Moriah Cemetery South.