Onita C. Treadwell

Mrs. Onita C. Treadwell joined her husband, Dr. M.A. Treadwell who passed away last February, in Heaven on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. Mrs. Treadwell was born in Farmerville, Louisiana, to Albert and Florine Cartlidge. She grew up there and met Dr. Treadwell when they were ten years old because his father was pastor of the Baptist church. Always very serious about using her talents for Christian service, during her teenage years, Onita played the piano for countless country revival services while her father-in-law-to-be preached.

She attended college at Louisiana Tech from 1940-1943, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History. She then attended Peabody for graduate work in Library Science and in the spring of 1945 received her Master’s degree from Louisiana State University. She became librarian at Bernice High School in Louisiana, and then at a Galveston junior high after marrying Dr. Treadwell.

Mrs. Treadwell’s life was centered around service to God, to her husband, and to her family. Having been childhood best friends, she and Dr. Treadwell completed their educations and married while he attended medical school in Galveston. They moved to Temple for him to complete his surgical residency at Scott and White and to start their family. While Dr. Treadwell served 2 years in the Army Medical Corps, she was active in her church.

Mrs. Treadwell followed her husband to Eastland to establish their home, build a medical practice, and rear a family. She was active in the Baptist church, teaching Sunday School, leading Bible study groups, organizing children’s choirs and missionary groups, and playing the piano for church. Her music ministry began as a child of 12, and she continued to play for church services until she was 80 years old.

Mrs. Treadwell was the mother of Dr. Terry Treadwell of Montgomery, Alabama, Marsha T. Vermillion of Eastland, and Dr. Randall Treadwell of Pearland, TX. She was actively involved in their church, school, and athletic activities for many years. Having served as president of several civic organizations in her early years in Eastland and helping her husband and community build Eastland’s first hospital, Mrs. Treadwell devoted her life to teaching and encouraging others and serving her Savior. She was her children’s and grandchildren’s most ardent fan as she attended athletic events, music recitals, and graduations. She shared her love of music by teaching her children and grandchildren how to play the piano and other musical instruments.

Her family include: Dr. Terry and Sheryl Treadwell, Drs. Randall and Janet Treadwell, Marsha Vermillion, eight grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren. Dr. and Mrs. Treadwell have left an amazing example of Christian service and sharing the love of Christ to their family, their friends, and their community.

A graveside service will be held at Eastland City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Friday with Rev. Jim Andrews officiating and under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Eastland.