Thelma Henrietta Gadson
December 3, 1948 – September 30, 2019
Thelma Henrietta Gadson, 70, affectionately known as “Fairy”, transitioned from this life early Monday morning on September 30, 2019 at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. She was born on December 3, 1948 in Kansas City, Missouri to Thomas Harold, and Alethia Atchee Gadson.
She was preceded in death by both parents; Two brothers, Thomas Harold Gadson Jr, and Thomas Maurice Gadson Sr; Two sisters, Melba Lucille Scaife, and Dawn Cordelia Rush. Following the loss of her mother, at a very young age, Thelma and her five siblings were raised by an aunt, Grace Maples.
She received her early education through the Kansas City, Missouri Public Schools system and graduated from Central High school. Shortly after finishing high school, Thelma made Los Angeles, California her home. She later continued her education and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership/ Management and Human Resources from Biola University, where she was selected to receive the 1997-1998 “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Thelma also received a Master’s in Divinity Degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. She also attended Los Angeles City College and the University of Southern California. She received a Technician Certificate in Phlebotomy, from the Nova Institute of Health.
Thelma was employed for over 17 plus years with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, where she received many commendations and accolades. Other employment included: Pathology Associates Laboratory, Lab Technician/Chemistry & Accessioning; Los Angeles County West Vector Control District, Assistant Entomologist 1; University of Southern California School of Medicine Senior Research Technician/Endocrinology Supervisor; SmithKline-Beecham Laboratory Lab Technician/Chemistry & Esoteric Chemistry; CLMG Laboratory, Lab Technician/Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Toxicology.
Thelma was intelligent, loyal, caring, and giving (with no bounds). She was a dedicated “No NONSENSE,” individual with eclectic interest who loved her family without reservation.
She was a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda; Music Tutor for Blind Students; Jazz Band Member; Drummer and Percussionist; Cellist; Maranatha Community Church; Holiday Concert Soloist; Member of Senior Sisters Ministry; Children’s Choir Drummer; Cast Member of Little Shop of Horrors; Emergency Preparation Training – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Habitat for Humanity was amongst her many Volunteer Efforts.
She was born, into one of the most musically talented and artistic families in Kansas City, Missouri. Thelma, herself, was a talented drummer; Father, Thomas Harold Gadson, was an accomplished Jazz musician, drummer/vocalist; Mother, Alethia Atchee (Hopson) Gadson, was a pianist/vocalist in her church. Additionally, siblings, Thomas Harold Gadson Jr., deceased, was an accomplished artist and educator; Thomas Maurice Gadson Sr, deceased, was the leader of the most popular band, in the Kansas City Metropolitan area, in the 60’s and 70’s - The Derbys; Thomas was also an internationally recognized Blues Guitarist; Older sister, Melba Scaife (deceased), along with cousins, Ella Maples, James Harrison, and sister, Robbie Herndon performed in a singing group (The Derbettes), as members of their brother’s band. The youngest sister, Dawn Rush, (deceased) engaged in jewelry making; Brother, James E. Gadson, is a world renown recording artist, percussionist/ drummer/vocalist, producer, writer, teacher, and performer.
Thelma leaves to cherish her memory, devoted brother and sister in law, James E. and Barbra Gadson of Los Angeles, California; devoted sister and brother in law, Robbie M. and Frank Herndon Jr., Kansas City, Missouri; her beloved pet, Gigi, and devoted Family members, and many, many, special nieces, nephews, cousins, and very special friends.
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