Relda Mainard

Relda Mainard born Relda Ann Sehon, October 16, 1938, in Huttig, AR, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 13, 2017. She is preceded by her husband, Gerald Mainard; sister, Kathryn Nash; and parents, Harlan and Cora Sehon. She is survived by her children, Laurea Irving and husband, Chip, Lance Dunahoe and wife, Danielle, Mike Mainard and wife, Monica, Steve Mainard and wife, Rhonda, and Melissa Mainard; grandchildren, Landon Dunahoe, Gavin Dunahoe, Makenzie Mainard, Kendall Mainard, Preston Mainard, Keller Mainard, Jackson Mainard, Bodhi Mainard, and Fisher Mainard; and her precious nieces, Judy, Donna, and Debbie.

Relda graduated from Huttig High School, where she was valedictorian in a huge class of 19. She promised her mother she’d attend “one semester of college” at Southern Arkansas University where she graduated with a degree in English and met and married Gordon Dunahoe. After college, she taught English and Accounting at El Dorado High School and Southern AR University until she and Gordon moved to Dallas, where she received a full scholarship and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology and Counseling at Southern Methodist University.

Relda was the definition of the modern woman: smart, beautiful, and independent. Following SMU, Relda worked for the Richardson Independent School District as a Counselor at
Belt Line Junior High and Richardson West Junior High and as a Secondary Consultant in English and Fine Arts and Public Information Officer. She thoroughly enjoyed her successful career but said her greatest success was "the birth of the two lights of her life", Laurea and Lance.

Relda spent the 70's, 80's, and 90's as a Guidance Counselor at Richardson High School - the home of her beloved Eagles - encouraging and helping thousands of "her kids" find themselves and their future. At the 1980 RHS Senior Talent Show, Relda met the love of her life, Jerry Mainard. They shared 5 kids, 9 grandchildren and 33 years together before Jerry's passing in 2015.

Relda was special - ask anyone who knew her. Whether walking proudly through the halls of RHS or lying quietly in a hospital bed, she carried herself with remarkable grace, dignity, and kindness that was distinctly...special; not because she thought she was, but because she made everyone else feel they were special.

We love you and will miss you dearly Mom!

Graveside Service: 3:00 pm Thursday in Grapevine Cemetery.

Reception: The family invites all friends and guests to a reception from 4 to 7 pm at Farina’s Winery, 420 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051. Parking is available on Main St. and S. Barton.