Thelma Louise Madison

Our family matriarch, Thelma Louise James Madison, answered God's call on November 28, 2022 at the age of 84. Thelma, who affectionately answered to T.J., Madison, or Thel, was the second of four children born to Mattie Bell Medlock and Daniel Louis James on January 6, 1938 in Austin, Texas. Both of her parents, a sister, Faye Dell Angle, and her brothers, Robert Louis (R.L.) James and Daniel Timothy James preceded her in death.

Thelma matriculated through the Austin Independent School District (AISD) attending L.L. Campbell Elementary and Kealing Jr. High schools. Thelma attended the original L. C. Anderson High School, where her extra-curricular activities included music classes and being a member of the Rhythm Steppers. She graduated in 1955 and was selected as “Most Versatile” by her senior class.

After high school, Thelma decided to enter Huston-Tillotson College (HTC), wanting to major in music, religion, or elementary education. Eventually, she selected Music as her major, and she excelled at playing the piano and cello. Thelma also had a beautiful alto voice and enjoyed singing in the Huston-Tillotson Choir.

While attending HTC, Thelma became a member of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in 1958. She was honored to be selected as Chapter President during her senior year. Thelma also represented her chapter in Washington D.C. during the sorority’s 25th National Convention held in August 1958. One of Thelma’s college accolades include her academic achievement of graduating “Cum Laude” from Huston-Tillotson College Class of 1959.

After college graduation, Thelma began her educational career by teaching grade levels first through twelfth in the West Texas communities of Brady and Olton. Soon after moving to West Texas, Thelma married Claudell Madison in Austin, Texas, and to this union, two children were born, Kimberly Claudette and Keith Herron.

In the late 1960s, Thelma began her tenure with the Austin Independent School District. While primarily teaching 4th grade most years, she also taught 3rd and 5th grades at several elementary schools: Oak Springs, Sims, Gullett, Barbara Jordan, Winn, and Norman. Her favorite subjects to teach were Social Studies (including Texas History), Geography, and Math.

In 1993, Thelma was ecstatic when asked by Principal Kay Fowler to join the teaching staff opening a new school, Barbara Jordan Elementary. She was also overwhelmed with joy when the school’s namesake visited for a building dedication in 1983. Thelma always considered herself a “Teacher’s Teacher” as she officially and unofficially mentored numerous educators at various schools. Thelma wore a myriad of campus hats such as Black History Month Chairperson, Department Chair, Team Leader, etc. She also served on numerous district textbook and curriculum committees.

Additionally, Thelma participated in an AISD initiative in which Master Teachers visited high performing schools in the nation and presented recommendations of school improvements to the local school board. She was particularly thrilled when one of her educational trips allowed her to travel to the famous Westside Preparatory School led by Marva Collins in Chicago, Illinois.

Thelma also participated in another district initiative between AISD and Motorola in which teachers worked in real-world semiconductor and nanotechnology jobs. She learned relevant skills to ensure that her students were prepared for 21st century workforce expectations. While involved in this project, Thelma so looked forward to changing into the clean suit (or bunny suit)!

Finally, after 38 years in the classroom, Thelma retired…then, returned for two additional two years, “for the children,” at Norman Elementary. Her latter teaching years included what she wanted to do most, work as a full-time Music teacher.

Thelma was a well-loved member of the Austin-area community. Her first job in the 90’s was assisting customers on the elevator at the Yaring’s on Congress in Austin. She also contributed countless hours planning events for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., including the annual Jabberwalk and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Thelma also served at Simpson United Methodist Church as the Chancel Choir Director, Mary McLeod Bethune United Methodist Women’s Group President, Sunday School Curricular, Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Methodist Youth Fellowship Leader.

After transitioning to join Christ Memorial Baptist Church in the mid-80s, Thelma sang in the adult choir, won souls for Christ in Neighborhood Evangelism, and participated in and led various Bible Studies. In her later years, Thelma joined several other churches in close proximity to her home. Her favorite scripture was the sixth Beatitude found in Matthew 5:8 which says “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Thelma was selfless and enjoyed helping others. She always stayed busy and loved reading, dancing, listening to music, and international travel. Her excursions included cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Mediterranean. In addition, Thelma was always mesmerized with lighthouses, so several years ago she embarked with friends to go to New England to experience the fall foliage of Vermont and beauty of the Atlantic Ocean coastline. When she briefly lived in Sun City, Texas, she joined the Ebony Ladies of Sun City, and they played games and bonded over monthly lunches. She absolutely loved these experiences!

Thelma’s hobbies included calligraphy, creative writing, macrame, sewing, jewelry making, and collecting rocks. She spent many hours solving puzzles, playing cards (SPOONS), and lovingly creating scrapbooks that she shared with family and friends. Thelma particularly enjoyed playing games during the Christmas Break! Family and close friends will fondly remember her ability to plan for holidays and other festive occasions with her signature flair. She brought so much fun to everything that she did!

Thelma leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Kimberly Brown, Keith Madison (Nancy) - both of Round Rock, Texas. Grandchildren, Andre James Madison, Keiarra Janae Madison, Christian Alexander Brown (all of Round Rock, TX). Sister, Mae Frances James of Round Rock, Texas, and a host of beloved relatives, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Tribute to Our Mom

Mom,

You are a great inspiration to others. You shared your life so willingly with us and others, always helping with what we needed. The joy you brought us will never end, and one day we will be together again! Though we miss you, we know you are with Jesus and those who have gone on before. Thank you for being such a great Mom!

~Kimberly and Keith

A visitation for Thelma will be held Friday, December 9, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas. An Omega Omega Ceremony presented by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will occur Friday, December 9, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the funeral home. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 3417 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Austin, Texas 78721. A committal service will follow the service at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Madison family.