Selma Thomas Naifeh

Mrs. Selma Thomas Naifeh of Longview, age 97, beloved matriarch of her large and widespread family, died in a Dallas Monday, May 4, 2015 after a brief illness. She was attended by her daughter Victoria, son Gary, and other loving family. Visitation will be Friday, May 8, 2015, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Road, Longview. There will be a celebration of life service, Saturday, May 9 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, Longview. The Reverend Kevin Wittmayer, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, will officiate. Selma, born March 8, 1918, was a lifelong resident of Longview - - the town she loved with all her heart. She married Mose Andrew Naifeh of Fort Madison, Iowa, October 22, 1946. They met after his honorable service with The United States Army during World War II. The young couple made Longview their permanent home where Mose was a businessman. After a devoted marriage of 44 years, he preceded her in death in 1990. Also, preceding her in death were her sister, Mary Thomas, brother, Dr. Tommy Thomas Sr. and his wife Annie Ruth, brother, Edd Thomas, and brother, Sam George Thomas and his wife Marion, and sister-in-law Nadyne Bussey Thomas, all of Longview. Selma and Mose had two children, Gary Thomas Naifeh of Littleton, Colorado, and Victoria Elizabeth Irwin of Dallas, and six grandchildren. Gary and his wife, Longview native Kathy Roland, have four children: Dr. James Andrew Naifeh of Rockville, Maryland, and triplets Jennifer Nicole Naifeh, Michael Stuart Naifeh and his wife Rachel and son Declan James Naifeh of Denver, and Justin Thomas Naifeh of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Victoria Elizabeth has two sons, J. Warren Irwin III, and his wife Patricia (Tricia) of Dallas, and Cameron Thomas Irwin of Lubbock. Selma and Mose took great joy in their children and grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Longview native, Mrs. Alyce Thomas Monsour, Selma’s cousin and confidante, must be remembered as her best friend. In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, or Trinity Episcopal Church, Longview. Selma will live for an eternity in the warm glow of God’s Grace.

Selma Thomas Naifeh

March 8, 1918 - May 4, 2015