Theda Gatlin of Traskwood passed away June 10. She was 88.

Known for her love of family and her work as a Deaf Educator, she retired from the Arkansas School for the Deaf (ASD). Graduating from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor's, followed by two masters degrees in Deaf Education and History, she began her 38 year career at ASD as a student teacher becoming high school principal, serving as interim superintendent several times. She was one of the first nationally certified Interpreters for the Deaf in American Sign Language. After retiring from ASD, she worked with the UALR sign language interpreters program. She was inducted into ASD Hall of Fame.

One of 6 children, Theda was born March 6, 1936 to Jimmy and Minnie Gatlin. She was preceded in death by her parents and her 5 siblings. Delmar Gatlin, John Gatlin, Houston Gatlin, George Gatlin, and Emily Lisenbey; and lifelong friends Marian Hulsey, Louise Whitley and Sister Andre (Cookie). She is survived by her many nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be 10:00 am Tuesday June 18 at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel in Benton, AR.  Visitation will be 9-10 a.m. before the service.  Burial at Traskwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Gatlin, David Gatlin, Johnathon Gatlin Spurr, Aarij Rahman, Philip Gatlin, and Phillip Cole.

Donations in Theda's memory may be made to Arkansas School for The Deaf Library