Thelma Lee Sebastian

Thelma Lee Sebastian (née Rushing), born on April 30, 1939, Illinois, passed away on July 4, 2024, in Pensacola, Florida.

Born in a year hailed as the greatest ever for movies from Gone With The Wind, The Wizard Of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Ninotchka, and many more, she was an eccentric and memorable personality who went out with a bang as she would have liked, surrounded by fireworks—a fitting tribute to her sparkling personality. Thelma's life was marked by her creative spirit, generous heart, love of animals, and a killer Thanksgiving shiitake mushroom gravy.

Thelma was an accomplished painter, adept in oils, acrylics, and watercolors. While in Japan her passion for beauty extended to the art of Japanese flower arranging mastering the intricate balance and harmony that it requires. A discipline in which she excelled, graduating as a Professor Of The Fourth Degree from The Sogetsu School Of Ikebana.

Beyond the canvas and floral artistry, Thelma also graced the stage as an actress with the Taipei Drama Club and as a Chinese movie star during her years in Taiwan. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Thelma was known for her dazzling personal style, beauty, and vibrant fashion sense, which she cultivated from the golden age of cinema, making her a standout in any crowd.

She was a caring wife and mother, always present with abundant support, insight, and love. Her warmth, kindness, and good-hearted sense of humor touched everyone she met. As a cherished friend and confidante, Thelma left a legacy of kindness, creativity, and compassion that will be fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Fred Sebastian, their loving daughter, Laura Sebastian, and two cats, Zoe and Sparkle. Her absence will be deeply felt.

There will be no funeral or memorial service. Thelma preferred to be remembered in the enjoyment of everyday moments rather than somber gatherings.

In lieu of a funeral or memorial service, those wishing to honor Thelma's memory are encouraged to make contributions to Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida https://www.pensacolawildlife.com/ or The Humane Society https://pensacolahumane.org/ , in her name, reflecting her lifelong love for animals.