Thelma Luciana

Thelma Lois Brooks Luciana passed away in her home of 67 years in Morganton, NC on August 22, 2025 at the age of 92. She was lovingly tended to by her daughters and great granddaughter. Staying in her home surrounded by her beautiful quilts and treasures was her wish. The support of her family and friends, all of the therapists, nurses, and caregivers has been remarkable.

Thelma was born in Black Mountain, NC on January 21st, 1933, to her parents, Glenn Dewey Brooks and Martha Phoebe Justus Brooks. She was a mountain girl who often spoke of an idyllic childhood. After graduating from Black Mountain High School in 1951, she attended Catawba College for two years where she met the love of her life, James Luciana. They married in 1953 living in New York City for 2 years while Jim was in the army. Thelma finished her college degree at Lenoir Rhyne College in 1965 with her daughters in attendance. She loved her chosen profession of teaching elementary school children. The principal at her retirement celebration noted, “Thelma’s love for children was very evident and they returned her love with admiration and hard work.” Many of her students continued to visit her and bring their families over the years. She couldn’t walk down the street, go the grocery store or bank, without someone calling out- “Mrs. Luciana!”

Her family consists of Lynda Luciana Reilich (Jeffrey Neal Reilich) and Cathy Luciana Johnson (Rick Alan Johnson, deceased); 2 grandchildren, Leland James Reilich (Jasmina Ordenana), and April Johnson Calamaco (Jose Raymond Calamaco); and 6 grandchildren: Valeria, Mireya, Melody, Alejandra and Estella Calamaco; Gael Ordenana and one on the way.

Thelma was an artist of multi medium, however hand quilting was her passion. Her quilts are hand stitched, each unique in design. Thelma was interviewed on her 90th birthday by a former student, who is the executive director of the QSOS- Quilters Save Our Stories. It is the largest oral history collection about quilt makers in the world. https://youtu.be/sN0p5J8WVmI. She quilted in the tradition of her mother and grandmother, taking the creativity and beauty to a new level.

She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, at one time serving meals at the soup kitchen, interviewing Habitat for Humanity candidates, and a member of various guilds. She had a group of dear friends who played bridge, hosted marriage and baby showers, and went on trips together. She and Jim loved to entertain at their cabin, and at one time were members of 3 dance clubs.

Thelma’s doctor used the term “true grit” when he spoke about her. She was always up for a challenge, generous with her time and her funds. She was the matriarch of a family that is racially diverse and was proud of it. Her face told it all when she held the newly arrived great grand babies. She had high expectations of her family. Firm but forgiving, a true teacher throughout her life. One of her favorite children’s books was The Velveteen Rabbit which she quoted often. “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” Fare thee well to a wonderful human being who inspired so many.

A celebration of Thelma’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dan Hester officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers please donate your love, kindness, time and resources with those who need it most.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.