Thelma Olive Mickle Mapes, a life full of love and dedication

FRANKLINVILLE — Thelma Olive Mickle Mapes, 90, passed away surrounded by her loving family Saturday (Oct. 18, 2025).

Thelma, affectionately known as “Tommie” by all who knew her, was born June 1, 1935, in Wellsville, to George and Melba Davis Mickle.

Thelma was raised in Andover, the eldest of five children, where her family managed emergency radio communications for Allegany County Fire radio. From a young age, Thelma demonstrated a remarkable work ethic, starting her first job at just six years old, proudly claiming she could iron shirts better than the adults around her.

At 17, Thelma married Ernest “Jack” Jackson and welcomed their first child that same year. She embraced motherhood fully, eventually becoming the loving mother of nine children: Butch, Ronald, Reneé, Roger, Robin, Scott, Debra and Laurie.

In 1974, she married Paul Mapes, becoming a devoted stepmother to Ken, Roxanne and Rex. Alexis, born in 1981, completed their family.

Thelma was known for her industrious spirit and diverse skills. She had a passion for sewing and crafts, excelling in sewing, tatting, embroidery, bobbin lace, cross-stitching and quilting. Her talent led her to a long career with John Ash Cleaners in Olean, where she worked from 1999 until her retirement in 2023 at the age of 89.

Her professional journey was varied and fulfilling. Thelma worked in a tile plant, served as executive director of Community Action, and supported her husband Paul’s business, Bear Creek Industries, even stepping in as a tool and die machinist when needed.

She also dedicated over 40 years to volunteering for the IRS, offering her tax preparation skills to the community either for free or at low cost. She was an active member of her community, participating on the zoning committee in Farmersville, the Historical Society in Franklinville, and within the church.

Thelma experienced significant loss, tragically losing her son Ronald to drowning shortly before his 18th birthday and being widowed by Paul in 1993. Despite these hardships, she remained a pillar of strength for her family and maintained close relationships with numerous friends and family members, including her sister, Kay (Kitten) Lyvonne and Larry, Margaret, and many others.

Thelma’s legacy continues through her children and stepchildren, Ernest (Kathy) Jackson, L. Renee’ (Brad) Craig, L. Roger (Jen) Jackson, Robin (Matt) Sanders, Scott (Linda) Jackson, Roxanne (Reggie) Mosher, Debra (Dave) Burton, Laura (Thomas) McClory and Alexis (André Floyd) Mapes. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews; 22 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Melba Mickle; her siblings, James, Katherine, John and Mary Margo Mickle; her son, Ronald; her husband, Paul Mapes; and her stepson, Kenneth Mapes.

Thelma Olive Mickle Mapes will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to family, her exceptional work ethic, and her profound kindness to all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and service to others.

Friends will be received at 10 a.m. Friday (Oct. 24, 2025) at St. Philomena’s Roman Catholic Church, 26 Plymouth Ave., for a Mass of Christian Burial. The Rev. Charles Johnson, pastor, will celebrate. A memorial gathering will be held later that day from 3 to 6 p.m. at Babbitt & Easton Funeral Home, 7 N. Main St. Franklinville. Burial will be in Gates of Heaven Cemetery, in Andover.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Historical Society, Blount Library or Hospice and Homecare.

Online condolences may be made at https://www.babbitteastonfh.com/.