She attended Scarritt College and recieved an M.A. degree from George Peabody College for Teachers, Nashville, TN, in 1938. From 1938 to 1940, she served as a missionary to Japan under the Methodist Episcopal Church, South (now United Methodist Church). She taught foods and nutrition at Hiroshima College for Women until she was forced to return to the United States during World War II. The following three years she worked under the National Youth Administration in the U.S. government program for disadvantaged girls in 21 counties of southern Arkansas.
On August 11, 1942, she married Rev. Charles H. Giessen in the First Methodist Church in Monticlelo. She was a partner in ministry with him in Little Rock and Louisiana Conferences of the United Methodist Church until his death in 1972. During these years they brought up three children, and she taught in public elementary schools in several Lousiana communities. Always loving children and seeking a challenge, she volunteered as a "cross-over" teacher when schools in Louisiana were being integrated. Her last eight years of teaching were in a pilot kindergarten program in Louisiana public schools. She retired in 1980 and returned to her hometown of Monticello where she continued active participation in church and community activities.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Charles H. Giessen and two brothers, Hunter Fish and Dudley E. Fish.
Survivors include three children and their spouses, Helen G. Guenter and husband, Joe of Monticello, AR; C. Henry Giessen, Jr. and wife, Cathy of Overland Park, KS; and Paul D. Giessen and wife, Ruth of Tulsa, OK; 7 grandchildren, Laura Burson Fernandes of Manhattan Beach, CA, Alicia Burson Riding of Aliso Viejo, CA, Frances Giessen, Charles Giessen and Mary Clair Giessen, all of Tulsa, OK, Marlene Giessen of Overland Park, KS and Rachel G. Heyduck of Waco, TX; and 3 great-grandchildren, Natasha Riding, Devon Fernandes, and Hudson Fernandes; and two sisters, Mary Fish McCauley of Sherwood, AR and JoAnne Fish Robbins of Hampton, VA.
Condolences(21)
Millie Paolini
Marrero, LA Friday, October 9, 2009 Helen, Henry and Paul,I wanted to let you know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Your Mom helped me so much when Mama died. Her calls were so uplifting. I am so grateful that we were able to attend her 90th birthday party and get to know you all again. Just so sorry that our visit didn't happen last year as planned. I know she is in a wonderful place now.
Love,
Millie and Danny Paolini
betty doherty
conway, AR Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Dear family,I knew your mother when your Dad was pastor of Carr Memorial Meth. Church in Pine Bluff. The new church they built after Dad was moved has since been closed. I thought a lot of your Mom, She taught my sunday school class for young married couples.
She was such a good teacher. I especially recall her beautiful smile.
I rejoyce in her homegoing and share your loss.
Owen & Gwen Stanford
Selma, AR Monday, October 5, 2009 Helen & Joe,Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of all of you. Mrs. Giessan was an unusual lady. I know you will have many happy memories of her.
Love,
Gwen and Owen
Carolyn and Maury Joe
Pine Bluff, AR Sunday, October 4, 2009 Our deepest sympathy to the family.Charles, Diana and William McCauley
Sulphur Springs, TX Sunday, October 4, 2009 Dear Family,What a great example Aunt Thelma gave to all of us in living a life of service. Her commitment to her church and to people from all walks of life left a legacy for all her knew her. I'm sorry we won't be able to attend the service on Monday, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charles, Diana and William McCauley
Jim and Judy Dunlap
Glenview, IL Sunday, October 4, 2009 Helen and Joe, We were so saddened to learn of the death of Helen's mother. We thank God for her full, wonderful life and know you will celebrate that life at her service on Monday. We wish we could be with you but distance prevents that, so please know our prayerful concern is with you. Our love to both of you. Jim and Judy DunlapJanice "Gladden" McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Friday, October 2, 2009 How wonderful that your mother is now with GOD. I still know it's not easy for you as I'm sure you will cherish the memories and miss her so very much. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I will lift you to the Lord at this time asking him to heal you.Love you all,
Janice
Kathy Davis
Monticello, AR Friday, October 2, 2009 Mrs. Guenter,I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Forrest
Monticello, AR Friday, October 2, 2009 I'm so very sorry for your loss. Ms. Giessen was an amazing lady, and she will be greatly missed. She was so blessed to have such a caring and loving family.Jim & Donna Davis
Tulsa, OK Friday, October 2, 2009 Dear Henry, Paul, and Helen,What a wonderful life and great example your mother was!
Bonita Davis
Midland, MI Thursday, October 1, 2009 Helen, Henry, and Paul,I feel two ways about the passing of your mother. She is, of course, much better off and finished with earthly suffering, but all who knew her will miss her. The other way I feel is grateful for having had the privilege of knowing her. She served the Lord in whatever way she could and she was an inspiration to me, as well as many others. I would like to celebrate her life and will do so in my prayers and thoughts.
Kim and David Hoffman
Conway, AR Thursday, October 1, 2009 Helen and Joe,We are so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Thelma was such a sweetheart and always had a smile on her face. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know you are in our prayers. Kim and David
Kevin Stone
Kansas City, MO Thursday, October 1, 2009 I'm sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.Lori McCoy
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 30, 2009 A wonderful lady she was!! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family!Mary Heady
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 30, 2009 I am sorry to hear of the passing of Ms. Giessen. Her countless contributions this community are greatly appreciated. She will be missed.Clara Cater
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Helen and JoeEveryone here at the Guest House,
wants you to know how sorry we all are for your loss.
Mrs. Giessen was a very sweet lady. We all loved her.
We enjoyed the years that we were able to take care of her. You all are in our prayers.
Paula Reaves
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 30, 2009 My prayers are with you. I so much enjoyed knowing your mother.Kay & Gary Crook
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I really enjoyed visiting with her when she was at the Guest House. She always was smiling.Susan Coles
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, September 29, 2009 Helen, Henry, and Paul,Please know that I love you very much. Thank you and your precious spouses for all that you have done for Aunt Thelma over the years to bring her happiness and quality of life. What a wonderful matriarch and role model she has been for us all. Helen and Joe, with the immediate responsibility, I know that you will feel an intense void in the days to come. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. We will see you soon.
Love,
Susan and family
Janie/Larry Fuller
monticello, AR Tuesday, September 29, 2009 Joe, Helen, & Family,We are so sorry for your loss, but rest assured, she is in a better place.
We love you all.
Sarah Blackmon
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 29, 2009 You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. You were blessed to have her for many years, as I was with my mother, but there is still a loss and I know you will miss her. She was a person for whom I had great admiration and respect.Sarah Blackmon