SHARLIE RUTH THURMOND

Beloved mother and grandmother, resident of Denton, formerly a 56-year resident of Austin, Sharlie Ruth Thurmond peacefully went to be with her Lord July 7, 2008 after a prolonged illness at the age of 87.

She was born on September 10, 1920 in Humble, Texas, the daughter of Olive Ann (Rhodes) and Richard Vernon Muckelroy.

Sharlie graduated valedictorian from Lockhart High School and then attended The University of Texas in Austin, graduating with honors in 1941 with a major in Physical Education.  She then married Victor Alden Thurmond, who served his country in the Pacific Theatre up to and including the disarmament of Japan.  The couple then resided in Austin, where Alden was a sales representative of Frostex Foods.

For many years, Alden and Sharlie were central figures in church planting through the establishment of Grace Covenant Church and Oak Hill Bible Church in Austin.  Sharlie and Alden were active in leading small group Bible Studies in their home and Sharlie was also a Discussion Leader in Bible Study Fellowship of Austin.

After Alden's retirement, the couple traveled extensively in the United States and Canada and often delighted children and grandchildren with wonderful visits.

Survivors include two daughters and their husbands, Sharon Marie and Charles Veazey of Denton, and Ann Rebecca and Thomas Rathbun of Bedford; five grandchildren and spouses, Greg and Holly Veazey of Dallas, Jennifer and Grant May of North Richland Hills, David Rathbun of Dallas, and Johanna and Victoria Rathbun of Bedford.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 12, 2008 in Austin at Austin- Peel and Son Funeral Home, 607 E. Anderson Lane, preceded at 10:00 am with a time of visitation.  Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park.

The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to any of the following organizations:  Worldview Institute, atten. Pam and Terry Moore, PO Box 471, Tijeras, NM 087059-0471; Greater Europe Mission, Susan Strohschein, PO Box 1669, Monument, Co 80132-1669; First Evangelical Free Church, 4220 Monterey Oaks Blvd., Austin, TX 78749; First Presbyterian Church, 1114 University Dr., Denton, TX 76201.