Thelma Fae Barnes

Thelma Fae (Grubbs) Mason Cleveland Barnes, age 107, passed away October 3, 2015 in Norman, Oklahoma. She was born August 3, 1908 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the daughter of Lex and Eula Harris Grubbs. She was a resident of the Shawnee-Tecumseh area until she was 100 years old, at which time she moved to Norman to be closer to her daughter, Jane Thomas. Thelma was reared by her grandmother Eliza Jane Grubbs from age five years. She was a graduate of Shawnee High School, class of 1925. She later attended Shawnee Business College and was employed as a secretary in the insurance and real estate business for over twelve years. Thelma married Norman Mason August 13, 1933, and they had two daughters. They lived on a farm south of Shawnee. Norman was the owner of the Shawnee-Tecumseh Transportation Company, until his death December 15, 1948. Thelma continued as owner of the bus business until March 1959, at which time she sold the business. She married Rex Cleveland February 8, 1953, who passed away September 18, 1986. She married Walter Barnes September 6, 1987, who passed away August 27, 2004. Thelma worked for 19 years as Secretary at the Tecumseh Correctional School, known as Girls' Town, now COJC. Thelma was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church most of her life, and she was organist at that church for over eighty years. After her move to Norman, she joined St. Stephens United Methodist Church, Norman, Oklahoma. Thelma was a member of AARP Chapter 2654 and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. She did extensive volunteer work at the Senior Center in Shawnee and the Golden Age Center in Tecumseh. Preceding her in death are her grandparents, parents, husbands, daughter Jane Kay Thomas, and son-in-law Garland Thomas. Thelma is survived by daughter Sue Ann and Gerald McDaniel of Lakewood, Colorado; grandchildren Jay Thomas of Edmond; Tracy and Stefanie Thomas of Norman; Katrina and Dan Cavaliere of Littleton, Colorado; and Mason McDaniel of Denver Colorado; great-grandchildren Blake Thomas of Oklahoma City; Natalia and Joel Cavaliere of Littleton, Colorado; and Will, Jack, and Hannah Beesley of Norman. Thelma lived a long, happy, and rewarding life and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held at Walker Funeral Services, 201 E. 45th Street, Shawnee, Oklahoma Wednesday, October 7th at 2:00 p.m. with burial at the Tecumseh Mission Cemetery. Viewing will be all day Tuesday and Wednesday until noon. The casket will not be open during the services.