Thelma Lilly-Pippin

Thelma Marie (Kaundart) Lilly-Pippin, 88 year old lifelong Seminole County resident passed from this life Saturday, November 3, 2012 at her home in Seminole.  She was born February 13, 1924 in Van Buren, Arkansas to parents William Franklin Kaundart and Letha Peralie (Heffley) Kaundart. Thelma graduated from Twin Oaks High School and was married to Waldo B. Lilly on March 12, 1947 in Ada, Oklahoma.  Together, the couple had a son Thomas F. Lilly, and they made their home in Seminole, Oklahoma.  While their son Thomas, was attending Seminole Schools. His parents, were busy running their business, B&L Electric, which they owned and operated for over 40 years.  Thelma was also busy with the Republican Women’s Club; The Republican Party; the Arts and Humanities Club of which she was a founding member in 1970 until 1995 serving for 25 years. The family were members of Seminole First Baptist Church where Thelma loved to sing in the choir. She was also a member of the Selectones (The Women’s Choir); and a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority. Thelma also served as chairwoman for Oklahoma Governor Henry Bellman’s “Bellman’s Bells”. Thelma’s husband Waldo Lilly was elected to serve as the Mayor of Seminole, Oklahoma which made Thelma, the First Lady of Seminole. Thelma also served on Seminole State Board of Regents from 1989 until 2002.  Sadly, Waldo preceded her in death on September 14, 1988 and her only son, Thomas F. Lilly, preceded her in death on November 19, 1992. In spite of such tragic loss, Thelma was anchored in her Christian faith and her experiences inspired her to be a witness to others in her life. Thelma went on to remarry Lee Pippin, on July 5, 2003 in Seminole, Oklahoma, a remarkable man whom brought a light and joy to her that had seemed a distant memory in all she had lost. After many wonderful years together, the commitment and resolve Lee lovingly demonstrated in caring for Thelma during the last few years of her illness is simply beyond measure.  Thelma leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband Lee Pippin of the home; one brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Beatrice Kaundart of Santa Fe, New Mexico; one sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Fred Stewart of Seminole, Oklahoma; three grandchildren she adored, Todd Lilly of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chris Lilly of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Robin Haney of Houston, Texas; seven great-grandchildren, Chris, Jackson, J.D., Reese, Austin, Mason and Kate; and a host of other family and dear friends.  Thelma was also blessed with an extended family when she and Lee were married.  Lee has one son and daughter-in-law, Micha Lee Pippin and his wife Valintina and they have a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Pippin.  He also has a daughter and son-in-law, Sandy Rae Inman and her husband Dr. Larry Inman and their two sons John W. Inman and Tim Inman and their families. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 8, 2012 at The First Baptist Church, located at 420 Reid Street in Seminole, Oklahoma.  Pastor Marvin Kehl will officiate the service assisted by Dr. Larry Inman.  Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma. Casket Bearers will be: Todd Lilly, Chris F. Lilly, Chris T. Lilly, Jackson Lilly, J.D. Haney and Reese Haney. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: November 8, 2012, 2:00 PM First Baptist Church - Seminole located at 420 Reid Street, Seminole, OK 74868