Thelma D. (T’Dee) Lifland Bracken, 84, passed away March 11, 2004 at her home. A Memorial Service was held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, March 15 at Lake Shore Baptist Church with Rev. Sharlande Sledge officiating.
Thelma D. Moorman was born July 14, 1919 in Waco to parents Thelma Louise Brown and Walter Darrell Moorman. T’Dee graduated from Waco High School and Baylor University where she earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Physical Education. She became a member of the Baylor faculty and served for 25 years as Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation before she retired in 1983.
T’Dee was dedicated to her family, her faith, and serving others. She loved people, music and dance. T’Dee touched the lives of so many people with her kindness, her positive attitude and unending enthusiasm.
T’Dee was a charter member of Lake Shore Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and held aerobic classes for many years.
At Baylor, T’Dee sponsored the Athenean Club and numerous other campus organizations and was named Outstanding Faculty Member in 1968 and 1978 and Retiree of the Year in 1992. In 1972 she introduced Aerobic Dancing in Waco and was honored by a special governor’s commission for her numerous aerobic fitness activities throughout the state, including serving as Executive Director of Aerobic Fitness – Texas Style.
In addition to her work in the PTA, she organized the first house-to-house campaign for the American Cancer Crusade in Waco and served as Secretary and board member of ACS. She was honored as A.L.I.V.E. Volunteer of the Year and was awarded a Distinguished Service Award by the M.H.M.R. Board of Trustees.
T’Dee was preceded in death by husbands M.M. (Bill) Lifland and A.C. (Al) Bracken. She is survived by two sons: William D. Lifland and fiance, Donnis Buchanan of Austin and Andrew T. Lifland and wife, Karen of West Des Moines, Iowa; granddaughter Michelle Dee Lifland Nielsen and husband, Matt of Mesa, Arizona; sister Tommie Mae Moorman Sorensen Maddox of College Station and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made to the T’Dee Lifland Bracken Endowed Scholarship Fund in Physical Education at Baylor University, P.O. Box, 97026, Waco, Texas 76798-7026 (254-710-2561).