Thelma Jean Giese
10/7/1930 - 6/6/2016
Thelma Jean Burns Giese joined the celebration in heaven on Monday, June 6, 2016 at Orchard Park Assisted Living in Manvel, TX. Thelma was born in Harlingen, TX on October 7, 1930 to Oyer and Nora Hitt Burns. She was the seventh of eight children, the second girl, and affectionately known by her family as "Dinky."
Thelma graduated in 1948 from Wilson Tract School in the close-knit farming community of Primera, just outside of Harlingen. On December 31, 1949 she married Bernard C. "Buddy" Giese, moving to Lake Jackson, TX where Thelma worked for the telephone company. Her family was started there and she made some lifelong friends. Eventually she and Buddy made their home in Houston where she worked for St. John's School from 1959 until her retirement in 1996. She was the voice of St. John's working the switchboard for these many years. Upon retirement, Thelma and Buddy moved to Galveston where they enjoyed looking out their window at the Gulf.
In 2001 Thelma suffered a major stroke which left her handicapped for the rest of her life; however she never lost her sense of humour and referred to her paralyzed arm as "Herbie." After Buddy passed away in 2003 Thelma continued to live in Galveston until her move in 2011 to Pearland.
Thelma was blessed to be born into a fun and loving family of brothers and sisters who have remained close through the years, enjoying many gatherings and family reunions. A remarkable fact is that all of the eight siblings were married to their spouses 50 years and more.
In addition to her parents and husband, Thelma is preceded in death by her sisters Mary Ann Drake and Ethelene "Bobbie" Howe, brothers O.T., Cecil, and Ray, brothers-in-law Roger Drake and C.L. Howe, and five sisters-in-law, Audrey, Wynelle, Lois, Norma and Wilma Burns.
She is survived by her son Bernard C. "Chris" Giese, III, daughter Elizabeth Ann "Beth" Roos and her husband John who called her Mom; by her granddaughters Jillian and Jordan Roos, grandson Justin Roos and his wife Amber, who called her GG; by her brothers George and Frank Burns who call her Dinky; by many nieces and nephews who called her Aunt Thelma, and by many others who called her friend. She had a fun loving spirit enjoyed by all.
Thelma's family appreciates all the love and care shown to "Giese the Police" as she was affectionately known at Orchard Park. A special thank you to her Hospice team: Myrna, Ronald, Shirley and Rayna for the loving care they provided during Thelma's final journey to her Heavenly home.
A graveside celebration of Thelma's life will be held on Friday, June 10, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Restwood Cemetery Outdoor Chapel in Clute/Lake Jackson, TX. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved younger sister Mary. A short visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Chapel, 98 N. Dixie Drive, Lake Jackson, TX. 77566 beginning at 9:00AM. Serving as Pallbearers are Keith Burns, Ricky Burns, Randy Drake, Scot Drake, Andy Burns, Levi Burns, Ryan Hill and James McKendree.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital, a charity Thelma loved and supported.
Obituary Provided By:
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