Theda Rhea (Bucy) Hazelwood

Theda Rhea Bucy Hazlewood, age 83, died Monday, May 21, 2018 in San Marcos, Texas.  She was born September 18, 1934 in Rising Star, Texas, and graduated from Coleman High School  in 1952.  She married Sherrell Lynn Hazlewood on June 29, 1952 in Coleman, Texas.

A professional artist, Theda studied at the Museum School of Art in Houston, Texas.   Her painting career began with a five-year sojourn in Avalon, California,  on Santa Catalina Island, where she worked with internationally known West Coast artists as she developed her distinctive style of painting.  In a three-year period she won eight first place awards in major juried competitions, including the National Orange Show, which led to publications, museum exhibits and one woman shows in recognized galleries.  After subsequent awards she established studios in Gallup, New Mexico, Santa Fe, New Mexico, La Junta, Colorado, and San Pedro de la Cueva, Mexico, where she perfected the style that collectors recognize as uniquely Theda Rhea.  Theda was an accomplished instructor, demonstrator and judge who worked with a variety of media and subject matter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Seth and Dollie Keith Bucy, her siblings Stella Tune, Donna Bucy, Dan Madison Bucy, and Dollie Sparkman, and niece Marcie Sparkman Meers.  She is survived by her husband Sherrell, several nieces and nephews, and brothers-in-law Donald (and wife Carol) and R. Charles ( and wife Stephanie) Hazlewood.

An informal, joyous service of Theda’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the First United Methodist Church, 500 W. Liveoak, Coleman, Texas, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall featuring some of Theda’s paintings, favorite music, and a chance for her friends to celebrate her extraordinary life.

Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford St, Abilene, Texas 79605, https://westtexasrehab.org .

Please leave your memory of Theda Rhea Hazelwood on our website at www.livingmemorials.com or on our Facebook page.  These remembrances will be incorporated into the celebration of Theda’s life.