Thelma Susan Barnard

Thelma Susan Barnard, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away on February 14, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Born on December 2, 1942, in Mesa, Arizona, she lived a life filled with dedication, creativity, and love.

Thelma enjoyed a career, working at Navy Exchange in Corpus Christi and Cecil Field, Florida, as well as at Country Club Florist, where her passion for floral design shone. Her artistic talents extended beyond her profession; she engaged in numerous hobbies, including painting, cake decorating, and various crafts. Thelma was particularly fond of spending quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment with her family. A proud supporter of local sports, she was also an avid follower of Flour Bluff Hornet Football.

She was called by many names and wore even more hats.  Thelma, Sue or Susie and sister Susan by her church fellows... but we all called her by her favorite name.. MOM.  We grew up with a mother who was literally all things to us. I assumed that all children had what we had, someone who without a single hesitation would happily sacrifice for us.  We didn't' know that this was not the case in many families.  When we were young children we never realized this, as we grew into adulthood it became more apparent how dedicated she was to us.  My brothers and sister all played sports, I don't' remember a single game EVER that I didn't look up and she wasn't there.  We were never a family of wealth as a matter of fact, Mom was literally the greatest (Susie homemaker) of all time.  She made our school clothes even up into my freshman year.  MOM could see a picture in the sears catalog and like magic, whip it out and she would even make tags so they looked store bought so we wouldn't be teased.  I remember she baked and decorated wedding cakes for sale and taught this as well.  We had wedding cake smell and trimmings always in the kitchen.  My brothers and I (her pet name for me was ornery) and our friends would, while playing rambunctiously about would run through the house and grab a handful of cake on our way out.  I remember her blowing on our wounds from horseplay after applying Mercurochrome so it wouldn't sting so bad.  I also owe her my life, I was born with Pyloric Stenosis, which prevents the passage/absorption of nutrients to the small intestine.  My grandmother told me how after 3 weeks of me constantly projectile vomiting and my Mom being told "it's normal, all babies spit up" she accosted the San Diego Naval Hospital commander who, after this encounter, had me in in the OR that evening.  Thank you Mom...love you....PS...And thank you to my sister, Sandy who cared for her with the greatest of love.  I have never seen any patient in such good condition after being bed bound.  Sandy you are a superwoman. Mom would have been so proud of you... love you

She was a dedicated member of The Church of Latter Day Saints, where she nurtured her faith and connected with her community.

Thelma is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas W. Barnard; her children, Richard (Norma) Barnard, Ronald Barnard, Robert (Desirea) Barnard, and Sandra (Michael) Barnard; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry on her legacy of love and creativity. Also left to mourn her passing is her sister, Vicky Nelson (Dan).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph H. Parkes and Thora Parkes, as well as her siblings: Ralph Parkes, Arvella Uptain, Robert Parkes, and Donna Blevins. The family also remembers Brenda K. Barnard, her daughter-in-law, who has passed.

Thelma Susan Barnard will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, her vibrant spirit, and her lasting impact on the lives she touched. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.