Boopsie

Stanford

​Thelma Jay Stanford, known to those that loved her as "Boopsie", went to be with the Lord on November 24, 2020 after a lengthy illness. She was born in Sweetwater, Texas on April 10, 1941 to J.T. and Lettie Stanford. An only child, Boopsie grew up on the farm in Palava and in Sweetwater. She graduated from Sweetwater High School and attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Boopsie began teaching in Sweetwater Schools in 1973 and retired from the San Angelo ISD after a 32 year teaching career. She loved teachingchildren, especially the years she taught 6 th grade math at McGill Elementary School in San Angelo. Boopsie treasured those moments of excitement and accomplishment in a child's eye as they mastered skills together. After returning to Sweetwater to be closer to her children and grandchildren, Boopsie continued teaching children both as a substitute teacher and a private tutor.However, her greatest love was becoming 'Mimi' to her 7 grandchildren where she became the kids' biggest fan, travelling with her children to sporting events, jump rope competitions and other school events. Boopsie was life-long member of the Presbyterian Church, growing up in First Presbyterian in Sweetwater and attending St. Paul Presbyterian while living in San Angelo. First Presbyterian Sweetwater was always "home" and she attended there until no longer able.​Boopsie was predeceased by her parents, J.T. and Lettie Stanford. She is survived by her children Tracy Hrbacek Young and husband John; Todd Hrbacek and wife, Shana and Pam Hrbacek Barnett and husband Bret; along with her 7 grandchildren: Spencer and Lauren Young, Cooper Hrbacek, Derrik Meador, China Allred and Andrew and Alison Barnett. The family will celebrate Boopsie's life in a private memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church after which entombment will be in the Church's Columbarium.  Should you wish to make a gift in memory of Boopsie, please consider making a memorial to the First Presbyterian Church, 1311 McCauley St., Sweetwater, Texas, 79556 or Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.