Thelma was my classmate at Jeff Davis High School in Houston. I remember her as being beautiful and talented. I am so fortunate to have one of her paintings that was given to me by my good friends, Sidney & Marsha Wallace. May Cholla’s memory be for a blessing, in loving memory,
Joan

I am so sad to have found out just now that this beloved teacher is no longer with us. She inspired and led me to find creativity even when I really doubted myself. She gave me the opportunity to show my work at the Art League when I was just a beginner and I'll never forget that. I will miss her so much!

Valentina Blonski Hardin, December 1, 2013

Since the 1980's, Cholla and I have kept in touch when I was not taking her classes. I would call her, not often, but would check in to see how she was. I'm sorry to say, I waited too long and it is very sad for me. She was a positive influence in life and now, she has left a tremendous void in my life. I am so sad.

What a beautiful tribute to aunt cholla. . My love goes out to all the family members. . And to all the dear friends who knew her. .

What a wonderful tribute to a talented artist.  Aunt Cholla was a beautiful woman both inside and out.  She will be greatly missed by all her family.

I am so saddened by Cholla's passing. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. She was a wonderful, strong woman, who gave herself to her work and the success of her students. Her spark that lit up many hearts. She made a huge difference in many, many lives, including mine. Rest in peace, my darling friend, heaven has an angel to paint the sky in vivid colors. I will miss you!!

Cholla was a beloved fixture here at Texas Art Supply. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed

I knew Cholla for nearly 25 years; I met her through Bob van de Grift.  She was simply a mensch; a treasure, a wonderful, beautiful, delightful lady.  In fact, I moved into Cholla's backyard apartment for a year where she smothered me with her love, affection and her wonderful strawberry smoothies.  Van was her closest, most dedicated friend the past few years - I would like to thank him for caring for Cholla, her cats and for "being there" for her during this time.  I'll never forget her.  She was a Houston treasure, who touched everyone she knew. - Mike Stewart

Memories of Cholla will continue to inspire us. This is why we live at all.

Such a generous, validating spirit! She was so willing to share her talent and so willing to foster talent in others.  I will miss our dear Cholla.  My thoughts are with her family as Cholla moves on into brighter, higher realms.

Cholla was a dear friend, & I've known her since I was a child. She and my mother grew up together and were best friends. Over the years I visited her at her home studio and caught up with her sometimes at Art League events. We stayed in touch over the years and she was like having another aunt. As an artist she was an inspiration and role model for me. She may be gone now, but her art endures. She touched many lives and she will be greatly missed. Peace Be With You, Cholla.

As an artist she was an inspiration and role model to me. As a family friend she was like having another aunt. She was a kindred spirit and a joy to know. I love her, and I miss her already. She was a dear friend and she will not be forgotten. God bless you, Dear Lady, and may peace be with you.

Cholla was a wonderful artist and a good friend. I enjoyed talking to her at the Art League and  at various art functions. I know that I will miss her. To her family, please accept my condolences.

Cholla was my teacher and friend.  Rest in Peace, my friend!

I am saddened by the passing of Cholla. She was a compassionate artist who reached out to all. Her heart was almost too big for her soul.  She touched my life and enriched it. The day is a less brilliant without her in it. My condolences to her family and friends.
Robin Avery

Cholla was a one of a kind!!!! she was
not only a great artist and teacher but
was an incredible loving person. She was my mentor and my friend.My prayers to all of her family.I was blessed to have had her in my life.
          Charlsie Pogue

Cholla was a wonderful artist, teacher and friend. She was much loved and will be very much missed.

Such a talented woman.  You will be missed, but you've left your spirit with many of us so you may be gone to the other side but not forgotten on this side.  Robin Smith, Member, WASH

Cholla was truly an extraordinary person. She was a gifted artist and teacher. I have known her through Art League Houston. She volunteered her time and knowledge to our Healing Art class and we were all so touched by her thoughtfulness. The Art League community misses her greatly.

In the twenty years of teaching next to Cholla we became great friends! We learned about each other,cried together,laughed together.Talked a lot of Robin. Had great times with Van and other friends. I will sorely miss our conversations of birds and cats and nature. We shared a lot of wonderful thoughts.Dearest Family,  I am so sorry for your loss, she was a fabulous woman and an invigorating ,inspiring teacher. My prayers to you! Salli Babbitt

Cholla and Bill were long-time friends and and shared their love of art.  Her talent and exuberant personality will be missed by all.  We fondly remember her portraits of children and especially those of her daughter "Gigi" as a young child.  Our condolences to the entire family.
Bill and Betty Morgan

I remember Cholla way before she became Cholla.  When I was a 7th grade classmate at Marshall Junior High in 1948 with her and her now ex-husband, Audra Runnels, she was known as Thelma Kepner.  I visited many times with Thelma and her family at her familys home on North Main which was also a Hobby Shop.  It was through her family's store that I met my first husband.   Thelma and I reconnected again in the 60's.  At that time I was a struggling dressmaker.  Thelma created a number of costume designs for me which I still have.  She did carricatures of myself, my husband and my first born son.  I tried to keep track of her through the years; finding her sketches shown in the Houston Chronicle during famous trials as a sketch-artist; then wondered what had happened to her when she became known as "Cholla".  I will cherish the childhood memories I have of her.  

Joyce Rhodes Funderburk
Missouri City, Texas

the Art league and the Art community in Houston lost one of its greatest, she will remain in her wonderful creation and her students.

Cholla touched so many people with her art and her being. She was dearly loved by everyone that I have known to have met her at Art League Houston and beyond. I am so glad to have shared time with her and will miss her dearly.

Over the years Cholla was both teacher, mentor and friend to me,  She will be missed by many.  she encouraged me often in my development as an artist. Rona Lesser

Cholla was an extrodinary human. She had an enthusiasm for life that was infectious. Cholla seemed to bring out the best in everyone, in their art and in their hearts. I am so honored to have known her and to have taught with her. She will be missed by all who knew her, but most keenly, by her family. My heart is with them.

I'm blessed to have been able to call Cholla my friend for the past thirty years. She will be missed.

I had the honor of taking painting classes with Cholla at the Art League of Houston and getting to know her personally as well. She was as passionate about teaching as she was about painting and drawing. She also had a soft spot for animals. She was spiritual, feisty, funny, strong, and affectionate. I am deeply saddened by her passing, yet I am hoping she was welcomed in the open arms of her deceased daughter and grandson.

OBITUARY

Cholla Kepner

December 5, 1932 – January 19, 2013

Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery

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