Glenda Joy Hill Thacker

GLENDA HILL THACKER, age 55, of Sugar Land, Texas, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2011, after a courageous battle against cancer. She was born February 5, 1956, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Three months after birth, she was adopted by Grady and Geraldine Bailey Hill, of Nederland, TX, where she grew up with her older brother Gary, and younger sister Gina. Brought up in the traditions of the First Baptist Church Community of Nederland, she was instilled with strong family values of integrity, honesty, and strong character. She credits her father’s strong work ethic, working in the oil refinery, as being her own. He set the example of toiling long and hard without complaint to earn a living for his family. Her mother took care of the home and children, taking great care to nurture her spiritual character and strengths.

She met Troy Thacker, the love of her life, when she was only fifteen. They were high school sweethearts, married at nineteen, and happily married for thirty-six years. Troy is the Oil & Gas Industry Manager for Phoenix Contac USA. They have one son, Aaron, who was the joy and light of her life. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and currently attending Tulane University of New Orleans, where he is working to obtain a Masters Degree in Musical Theater. He and his life partner, Todd Woodriff, live in New Orleans. Glenda was a member of Sugar Land Baptist Church. Traveling, walking her two dogs, reading, and stain glass were her favorite activities.

Glenda began her career as a teacher in Nederland in 1978. When her husband graduated with an Electrical Engineering Degree and his work brought the family to the Houston area in 1984, she continued her career as a teacher with Alief ISD. She was inspired by great mentors to seek advancement, so she attended the University of Houston and earned a Mid-Management Certification. Upon graduation, she became a school administrator. Throughout her career, she served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, founding principal, director, and executive director. She regarded these experiences as rich and challenging. Her proudest achievements were becoming Executive Director of Curriculum, Assessment & Evaluation, and opening Mata Intermediate School as the founding Principal. She credits her successes to her great mentors, Lillie Beth Wilson, Betty Best, Ross Sherman, and Fran White. These people encouraged, inspired, demonstrated integrity, and counseled her to be a leader. She was always most proud of and celebrated the achievements of her closest work associates and friends. Her greatest gift was her ability to challenge and lead people to achieve difficult goals while having fun and enjoying life. Glenda was a great friend and inspired many with whom she worked. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Glenda was preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine Bailry Hill.

She is survived by her husband of thirty-six years, Troy Thacker; son, Aaron Thacker and his life partner Todd Woodriff; father, Grady Hill; brother, Gary Hill; sister, Gina Jamison and her husband Patrick; and niece, Sarah Hill Brady and her husband Chris.

A Memorial Celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Sugar Land Baptist Church, 16755 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

For those desiring, memorials in Glenda’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society @ www.cancer.org.