Thelma Mothershed Wair – 1940-2024

On October 19, 2024, Dr. Thelma Jean Mothershed-Wair, age 83, made her peaceful transition to be with the Lord. Thelma was born on November 29, 1940, in Bloomburg, Texas, as the third of six children to Arlevia and A.L. Mothershed and Hosanna Moore Mothershed, who both preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her husband, Fred Wair; brother, Gilbert Mothershed; and nephew, Anthony Mothershed.

Thelma’s educational experience began at Hillside Elementary in North Little Rock, Ark. Due to her health, she was home-schooled for several years. She later attended Dunbar Junior High School, Horace Mann High School and Little Rock Central High School. In September of 1957, Thelma, along with eight other students, integrated Central High School, becoming known as the “Little Rock Nine.” Their journey has been chronicled and they have received an abundance of awards, among them the Congressional Gold Medal.

After 1957, Thelma continued her education in St. Louis, Mo., and received her high school diploma by mail from Central High School. Thelma went on to earn her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. In 2016, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUe) bestowed Thelma an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Thelma taught Home Economics and was an elementary school counselor in East St. Louis for 28 years. She then taught life skills to homeless women at the American Red Cross Shelter.

In addition to being an integral family member, Thelma was initiated into the Delta Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on December 3, 1961. She was a Golden Soror of the Beta Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Thelma was also a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Thelma was a member of Mt. Sinai Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and an affiliate member of Parkview Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

She is survived by her treasured son, Scott Wair (Maria), and her beloved daughter-in-love, Valerie Wair. Her cherished grandchildren, Brennen Wair (Samantha) and Gabriel Wair (Carson), as well as her precious great-grandchildren, Jaxxon Wair, Lennyn Jean “Lenny” Wair, will forever hold her memory dear. Thelma is also survived by her siblings, Lois Pot (Jaap “Jim”), Grace Davis (Preston), Michael W. Mothershed (Lucille), and Karen Mothershed; and faith-sister, Francine Walker; her nieces and nephews, Brian Davis (Cynthia “Cindy”), Michael Pot (Julia), Gilbert Pot, Bryan Mothershed, Michael L. (LaToya) Mothershed, Alaina Lewis, Michelle Mothershed, and Ernae Mothershed; along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, church members and friends.

Headlining Thelma’s extensive list of friends are two Sorors who have been “by-her-side” and “A-ones-since-day-ones”, Vivian Nichols of Swansea, Illinois, and Luvenia Long of Arlington, Texas. Thank you, ladies, for your love and dedication. We also wish to especially acknowledge Thelma’s CNA and friend of over 12 years, Cleola Frazier, CNA Alexis Frazier, and the doctors and nurses of Baptist Health Center, UAMS, and Elite Home Care.

Thelma’s love and devotion will continue to shine through all the lives she has touched. Dr. Thelma Jean Mothershed-Wair will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love and gratitude. Thelma lived a life of purpose and impact, touching countless lives with her unwavering faith, wisdom, and compassion. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, who leaves behind a rich legacy of love and service.

Walk-thru visitation will be at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, Friday, October 25, from 1-4pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Ivy Beyond the Wall begins at 10 a.m., services begin at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clinton School of Public Service for the Little Rock Nine Scholarship Fund.