Ann Thomas (Pearson) Travelstead, 92, died July 18 at a Bowling Green, Ky., nursing facility.
Born on May 30, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Nell Anderson and John T. Thomas of Sevierville, Tenn. She had been a resident of Bowling Green since 1977, but spent much of her time in Florida, returning here permanently from Sarasota in 2005.
Travelstead attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
In the 1960s, Travelstead was the director of promotions and special events for all Burdine's department stores based in Miami. Later, she was an executive with McCormick and Co. of Baltimore until her retirement in 1975.
Travelstead became the editor of the Sanibel Islander and later the Gasparilla Gazette in Boca Grande, and contributed to various regional magazines. She also taught adult education classes at Western Kentucky University and conducted private workshops.
She won the Zephyrus Award for fiction presented by the department of English at Western Kentucky University in 1979. Later the award was named in her honor.
Fact Box
Travelstead became the editor of the Sanibel Islander and later the Gasparilla Gazette in Boca Grande, and contributed to various regional magazines.
Widely traveled, Travelstead spent time in Spain and more than two years in India. She was especially well read and an engaging storyteller.
Travelstead was a member of the American Business Women's Association, Arts Alliance, Ladies Literary Club and State Street United Methodist Church.
Travelstead was predeceased by a son, Maj. John Welshan of the U.S. Air Force in 1968, and her husband, Will Gooch Travelstead, in 1981.
A memorial service will be conducted in the chapel at State Street United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. Friday, July 23.
Memorial contributions may be made to the State Street United Methodist Church, 1101 State St., Bowling Green, KY 42101, or the Department of English Publications, Western Kentucky University, c/o College Heights Foundation, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY 42101.
Johnson-Vaughn-Phelps Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.jvpfh.com. No visitation is planned.
