Family, friends, and members of the community gather for Thelma Mothershed-Wair’s burial to say goodbye

Little Rock, Arkansas – On Saturday, a legend from the Little Rock Nine was buried.

Thelma Mothershed-Wair passed away on October 19. Her family, friends, and community members came together for her burial services on Saturday at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church to bid her farewell and share memories of her life.

Mothershed-Wair is regarded as the Little Rock Nine’s valiant leader, an icon, and a legend.
From overcoming racial barriers to becoming a trailblazer as an activist, she was an inspirational lady who had a lasting impression on many.

Alfreda Brown, her cousin, believes Mothershed-Wair is deserving of all the praise she has been getting.

Brown remarked, “She truly deserves a lot of the recognition that she’s received because she lived a good life.”

As they paid tribute to Mothershed-Wair at the funeral, state and local officials made it apparent that her life wasn’t in vain.

Mayor Frank Soctt Jr. said, “She’s now joining her classmate Jefferson Thomas knowing that there’s still work to be done but she’s fought the good fight and she’s finished her race.”

Lidia Bledsoe-Hunter, another cousin of Mothershed-Wair, is happy with what she accomplished before passing away, but her family is still in mourning.

“She showed incredible bravery, fortitude, and resolve to accomplish her goal despite…I’ll share what I’ve learned from her,” Bledsoe-Hunter remarked.