Thelma Leathers Guimonds

Affectionately known as Jodie, she was born January 20, 1931, in Pecan Grove, Texas, to Bryan and Lois Leathers. She would go on to be the second oldest of four children.

She would move to the DFW area and begin her family with her first husband. The two would have three sons together. Later, she would meet the love of her life, Edward Thomas Guimonds, while traveling in the North East part of the country. Edward fell in love at first sight and followed Thelma and her three boys across the country until she finally agreed to give him a chance. The two Married on August 6th, 1953 and spent over 50 beautiful years together.

Edward and Jodie became foster parents, taking in 42 children in their time as fosters. Having a blended family of their own, together they had a daughter, and adopted three of the children who came through their home with the foster program.

She spent most of her adult life as a homemaker. She did go on to get her GED and complete a course through IBM to work with their punched cards.

Jodie had a very active church life, especially after marrying Edward. The two would spend over 10 years doing missionary work in Mexico. When she moved to Seagoville from Tenaha, she attended a small church in Combine, but after Covid, she began attending Victory Baptist Church in Seagoville where she could serve in many ministry programs throughout the church.

Thelma truly had a servants heart and was forever taking care of those around her.

Greeting her are the gates of Heaven were her parents, Bryan and Lois Leathers; her beloved husband, Edward Thomas Guimonds; her children, Raymond Bryan Shafer, Richard Lynn Shafer, James Edward Guimonds, and Teresa Carrol Guimonds, along with her eldest sister, Billie Kathryn Nalls.

Left to cherish in her memory are her children, Gary D. Shafer and wife Nancy, Sharon P. Harlan, and Melony Salvato; her younger siblings, Sue Miller, June Swint, and Sidney James Leathers and wife Kay. She is also survived by 16 grand children, a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many loving friends