Mother of Rhea Ballard-Thrower ’79 passed away

I received this message from Rhea:

Passing this information along, since I know my of my classmates knew my mom.  My mother did not want her obit in the paper, so that is why you did not find it. — smile.  She was truly an original.

Crazy world.  Kim Ellis’ mom and my mom died within a week of each other. Her father spoke at my mom’s memorial service.

* rhea

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H. Lenore Ballard came into this world on December 9, 1930. Born to the union of two Christian parents, Eula (Williams) Wiley and Lustus John Wiley, Sr., she was the ninth of their ten sons and daughters. As a native of Toledo, Lenore was educated in the Toledo Public School System and graduated from Scott High School. She earned Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degrees in education from the University of Toledo. Later, she attended the Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio and Winebrenner Seminary in Findlay, Ohio, where she received her doctorate in Biblical History.

Lenore was an educator at heart. For 29 years, she served as a kindergarten and elementary school teacher at various schools throughout Toledo.

Lenore was an active member of various religious and community organizations. She was a founding and long-time member of Ascension Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the Urban League and the National Organization of Women. Lenore was active with the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, serving as the Toledo Chapter’s Chaplain and Secretary. She also served as Chaplin for the Lucas County Retired Teachers Association.

On June 2, 2016, Lenore departed this life and moved on from labor to reward. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Emerson David Ballard, Sr.

Lenore is survived by her younger brother Preston D. Wiley, Sr. and leaves to cherish her memory her son Dr. E. David Ballard, II (Linda Cunningham-Ballard); her daughter, Prof. Rhea Ballard-Thrower (Atty. Lawrence Thrower); one “adopted” son, Dr. M. Reuben Mosidi; 3 grandchildren, Atty. Jennifer M. Ballard Croft (Cory A. Croft); Atty. Emerson David Ballard III, (Jamie Austin Ballard); Greyson Edward Alexander Thrower (age 12); and great-granddaughter Blake Austin Ballard (age 15 months).

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Rhea Ballard-Thrower
rballardthrower@gmail.com