Thelma Thompson

Thelma Ann Gwilliam “aka TAG” to her high school buddies, was born September 8, 1940 to  Cordelia Ann Gwilliam and Rosco Chambers Gwilliam in Houston, Texas. Everyone laughs that she got to south Texas as fast as she could. At 15 year old, in 1955, they moved to the ranch south of Knippa where she lived out a full and robust life on her own terms.

Thelma left us, November 4, 2019 passing away in her home. A memorial service will be held November 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the Uvalde Fairplex arena.

She married William David Thompson in 1968 in Uvalde, Texas and is survived by her only son, William Ross Thompson and wife, Jae; granddaughter Kennedy Linn Thompson; sister-in-law, Ann Spurrier; niece Tonya Brami and husband, Jeff and her sons Cody & Taylor. Along with countless horses, dogs and cats. She was blessed with numerous friends all over Texas and the United States.

Thelma was known for her passion for horses and her service to many agriculture youth organizations such as the Uvalde County Junior Livestock Show and the Uvalde Youth Rodeo Club. Since the Youth Rodeo Club’s inception in 1963, she served in every leadership position, and led generation after generation of riders and parents through an organization near and dear to her heart. Numerous local youths have benefited from scholarship funds generated from the South Texas Ranch Heritage Association Ranch Rodeo held for 14 years running. Thelma was one of the founding members of the organization and the driving force behind an event that Texas cowboys often voted on as their favorite ranch rodeo. Other organizations benefiting from Thelma’s energy include the Bluebonnet Barrel Racing Association, the Uvalde Fair Association, and many Knippa ISD events. Her rough and tough attitude did not mask her giant heart to those that knew her well. It was not uncommon for Thelma to donate her time, money and energy (often on the sly).

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Uvalde Youth Rodeo Club; Uvalde 4-H; Knippa ISD or the Uvalde Hospice.