Thelma W. Walton

Thelma W. Walton ( Nee Winter) 1927-2019 Thelma, wife of the late Rev. Donald Walton passed gently into rest on the evening of Sept. 4 after a sudden illness. She is survived by her sons David (Patricia Kazimer) of Flagstaff, AZ, Scott (Scott Williams) of San Francisco, CA, and her daughter Robin Szakacs (James) of North Royalton, Ohio. Born in Beckley, West Virginia to Paul and Florence Winter, she was the stepdaughter of the late Ruth Winter and sister of the late Fern Vogt. She was a graduate of Westminster College and received a degree in Music Education from Baldwin Wallace College. She taught music in the Lorain City Schools. Following the death of her husband, she returned to Cleveland where she held positions at the Cleveland District office of the United Methodist Church, Reminger and Reminger Co.,LPA and the Achievement Center for Children from which she retired. An accomplished pianist, she accompanied the Cleveland Messiah Chorus, taught piano to many, and shared her talent with her church. She served as Secretary for Methodist Federation for Social Action for many years and was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and social justice issues. She was an avid traveler who enjoyed many trips both in the U.S. and abroad. Thelma loved the performing arts and passed that love of orchestra, theatre and opera on to her children and grandchildren. She was an active member of Pleasant Hills United Methodist Church for forty years, served the North Coast District, and the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church on multiple committees. Thelma was a loving grandmother to Melissa Antonelli (Gabe), Timothy Szakacs (Kate Kanaga) and Stefanie Sweet (Jason), all of which were at her side as she passed. She was the proud Great Grandmother of Julia, 4, Angelina, 3, Bodie, 3 Jaxon, 1 and Nicholas, 6 weeks. A memorial service will be held at Pleasant Hills United Methodist Church 13200 E. Bagley Road Middleburg Heights Ohio at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 12, 2019. A gathering time to share memories will begin at 10:00am. Interment will be at the Lakeside Chautauqua Memorial Garden in a private service. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial gifts be directed to Pleasant Hills United Methodist Church. 440-842-7800 www.buschcares.com