Thelma Zwiener

On August 3, 2014, Thelma McFarlane Zwiener peacefully departed to her final reward. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at St. Peter''s Episcopal Church, with Rev. Cecilia Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Independence Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Thelma or "Doots" to her grandchildren was the second born child of Clarence Ike McFarlane and Thelma Norton McFarlane of Houston, Texas, on November 13, 1929. Her father instilled in her a love for the out-of-doors, horses and dogs at an early age at the family farm in Fort Bend, County, Texas. Thelma graduated from Lamar High School, Mount Vernon University and finally from the University of Texas at Austin. There, she joined the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She graduated with a degree in Art after which she returned to Houston. Thelma served the Junior League of Houston for many years. She married James Grizzard and had two children, Suzanne and Jim. After a number of years as a single mother, she married Douglas Richard Zwiener, Sr., with whom she shared a love of hunting. They had a son, Douglas Jr. Thelma''s occupations included managing her stables in Memorial Park, being a riding instructor, selling farms and ranches as a realtor, owning and managing ranches and raising and showing various breeds of horses. In the early 1970''s, Doug and Thelma purchased land and the Capt. Tacitus Clay Home in Independence, Texas. They restored the Captain Clay Home and Thelma opened one of Washington County''s first bed and breakfast inns there. This venture led her into the antique business and initiating a miniature horse farm. Thelma stayed active in these pursuits until recently. Thelma made friends everywhere she went and she loved people. One of her favorite events was her annual Christmas party. And, she loved to entertain her friends at her summer home in Taos, New Mexico. Thelma is preceded in death by James Grizzard her first husband, Douglas Richard Zwiener, Sr. her second husband and her sister, Nancy Bonner. She is survived by Suzanne and Bob Werner her daughter and son-in-law of Houston, James and Mary Grizzard, her first son and daughter-in-law of Durango, Colorado, Hon. Douglas and Elizabeth Zwiener her second son and daughter-in-law of Brenham. Thelma loved her nine grandchildren, Matt Werner and daughter-in-law Rebecca Werner, Dan Werner, Ben Werner, Josh Grizzard, Bethany Detweiler, Sarah Grizzard, Rachelle Grizzard, Elise Whittington and Trent Whittington. As well, she was blessed with a great-grandchild, Graham Werner, who was born recently. Thelma was a greeter at her church, St. Peter''s Episcopal. If you wish to memorialize Thelma, you may contribute to Hospice Brazos Valley, Animal Friends of Washington County or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements for Thelma Zwiener are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W.Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.