Thora Jean Bohannon

Thora Jean Bohannon - Age 90, of Oakland CA passed away on Thursday, 18 May 2017 following a stroke in January. Thora Jean, "TJ", was born 1 June 1926 in Oakland CA to Glen E. and Ellen I. (Erickson) Bowlsbey. Thora earned a BA in English from Principia College in Elsah IL and returned home to California to receive an emergency teaching credential and begin her teaching career. Thora was passionate about many things throughout her life and truly valued high quality education--she spent her life sharing her passion for learning with all who knew her. Thora was a gifted elementary school teacher, taught grades K-3 in Pleasanton and Oakland public school districts, and later was a Reading Specialist and K-3 teacher in Lafayette public schools. In addition to service in her own classroom, Thora was also a respected CTA Teacher's Union Representative for Lafayette School District. Thora was a charismatic adventurer and leader and deeply valued youth engagement--she served as a Teen Youth Group Leader for East Bay/Orinda Adventure Unlimited and as a longstanding Sunday School teacher.

On 21 August 1949 Thora married Clyde "Bo" C. Bohannon, following his return from WWII. They spent their honeymoon horsepacking in the Sierras--their love of travel epitomized their 54 year marriage and took them to nearly every continent. Even into her 90th year, Thora was proud that she remained incredibly active--she was a voracious reader, restauranteur and student of yoga & swing dancing. The most important thing to Thora was family--she is loved and remembered by her daughter, Lynn Bohannon of Berkeley and her son Curtis Bohannon of Oroville CA. She is also loved and remembered by her six grandchildren; Thora, Ellie and Glen Eberts; and, Sarah, Ben and Kristen Bohannon. She is in the thoughts and prayers of her nephews; David Sturtevant of Reston, VA; Tim Sturtevant and Matthew Sturtevant of Fairfield, CT; and her nieces; Jennifer Brandenburg of Piedmont, CA; and Dawn Bowlsbey Graham of Sacramento CA. A Memorial Service for Thora Jean will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, 9 July 2017 at Highlands Country Club, 110 Hiller Drive, Oakland. Following the service, the family will welcome relatives and friends from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the same venue. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill CA 94523 Attn: Thora J Bohannon Fund; hospiceeastbay.org