Theda B. McConnico

Theda B. McConnicoTheda Batson McConnico, passed peacefully from this life, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, June 22, 2013.Theda was born to William Lynn Batson and Cornella Carter Batson on November 7, 1926 in Normangee, Texas. After graduating from Normangee High School, Theda went on to earn a B.B.A. frorm Sam Houston State University. Playing the accordion and performing as a vocalist with the Sam Houston All Girl Orchestra during World War II, she formed many lifelong friendships and wonderful memories while traveling nationally entertaining the troops. Theda did graduate work at the University of Texas, where she received her teaching certificate in elementary education. After graduating from college, Theda was a girls coach at Petronila and Banquete school districts before coming to Corpus Christi, where she was the director of the boys choir at Northside Junior High School. There she had over 100 boys in her choir who sang four part a cappella. Her choir won numerous competitions, including first place against high school choirs during Buccaneer Days. Theda also taught choir and sixth grade at Smith Elementary School prior to transferring to Haas Middle School, where she taught math and social studies before retiring in 1996. She was an excellent teacher who had a profoundly positive influence on the lives of her students. Theda also served for two years as president of the Parent Teacher Friend Organization for the Regional Day School for the Deaf in Corpus Christi, and she helped to establish track and field and college scholarship programs for the school. On February 16, 1951, Theda married the love of her life, John B. McConnico, Jr., at First Christian Church in Corpus Christi. Theda was devoted to First Christian Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir, played the piano for the Allred Memorial Sunday school class, worked as a volunteer in the church office, and was an active member for over sixty-two years. Theda and John had two sons they adored, Bill and Robert, and they enjoyed over twenty years of a wonderful marriage before John died of cancer. Displaying the strength, dignity, and courage which were hallmarks of her character, Theda moved forward after the loss of her beloved husband to continue to live a remarkably productive and happy life. Thedas family members were the center of her life. She loved them with all her heart and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them. Many happy hours were spent with her family gathered around the piano singing together, as Theda played and harmonized with her beautiful alto voice. She had a great sense of humor and loved sharing stories, jokes, and laughter. Her exuberance for life and fun-loving nature brought enthusiasm and optimism into every situation. She treated everyone she met with kindness and respect, and she always made others feel comfortable, relaxed, and welcome. Theda was an extraordinarily generous, unselfish person who consistently put the needs of others ahead of her own, and she was always deeply appreciative of anything done on her behalf. Theda was preceded in death by her husband, John McConnico; her parents, William and Cornella Batson; her sister and brother-in-law, Golda and Frank Whaley; and her brother-in-law, Jarrett and Jenny McConnico.Theda leaves her sons, Bill McConnico and his wife, Terrie of Pflugerville; and Robert McConnico of Corpus Christi; five grandsons, Ryan McConnico of Houston and Michael, Andrew, Nathan, and Austin McConnico of Plano; her sister-in-law, Marian Harrell of Corpus Christi; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews to celebrate her life and cherish her memory. Her family was her greatest source of joy and will serve as a lasting legacy of a life well lived.The family would like to thank Odyssey Hospice, especially Kat, John, and Allen, for their loving, compassionate care of Theda.Visitation will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Seaside Funeral Home.A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at the Seaside Funeral Home Chapel.Private interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts in Thedas honor be made to First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 3401 Santa Fe, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 to support its ministries and community outreach.To view Tribute, please visit www.seasidefuneral.com