In Memoriam

TTAO celebrates those members lost recently. The passionate educators who dedicated their lives to their craft and to the students and directors of the state, sharing the magic of theatre and touching lives through contests and clinics. Through their amazing contributions each of them left an incredible mark that educated, informed, and touched so many. They've impacted our hearts, they've made us laugh, and became dear friends along the path that will never be forgotten. May they rest in peace.

If you know of an adjudicator or contest manager loss not listed in the video or tributes below,

please email support at support@ttao.org. Thank you. 

2025

Omar Leos

San Antonio's arts and education communities mourn the passing of Omar Anthony Leos, a beloved educator, director, and advocate for the arts whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

Omar dedicated his life to enriching the lives of others through his passion for theater and education. A proud graduate of Thomas Edison High School and the University of the Incarnate Word, Omar combined his love for learning and the arts to create meaningful change throughout the city. As the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Harlandale Independent School District, he ensured that students had access to transformative arts education, leaving a lasting legacy in the classroom and beyond.

Omar’s creative talents shone brightly in San Antonio’s theater scene.

He served as Board Chair for The Public Theater of San Antonio (now San Pedro Playhouse), guiding the organization through key moments of growth and artistic achievement. He directed many shows at the Playhouse, including 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝘼𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮 and many more. Omar was also a Board Member for Classic Theatre of San Antonio and made a profound impact, directing powerful productions such as 𝙂𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙨 and 𝘼 𝘿𝙤𝙡𝙡’𝙨 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚, 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 2. His direction brought stories to life with depth, empathy, and authenticity — hallmarks of Omar's artistic vision and leadership.

Omar was never afraid to speak his mind and hold the arts community accountable for greater representation and authenticity — something he believed in deeply and expressed with care and conviction. In doing so, he upheld one of our organization’s most important core values of bravery, challenging us all to create with honesty and integrity.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Omar was honored in 2020 with The Carl Glick Creative Impact Award from our theatre — a fitting tribute to a man whose creativity and leadership elevated San Antonio's arts landscape.

Beyond his professional achievements, Omar will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. His ability to inspire, mentor, and connect with people made him a treasured friend and guiding light in the community.

Omar’s legacy will live on in the students he taught, the productions he brought to life, and the countless lives he touched. As we remember him, let us honor his memory by continuing to uplift the arts, support education, and share the joy of creativity — just as he so beautifully did throughout his life.

Susan Lastrapes 

Susan Elizabeth Lastrapes passed away in her sleep on February 4, 2025 in her Kingwood home. She settled there in the late 1970's and began her teaching career in Kingwood schools.

Susan was born in Tiffin, Ohio on December 14, 1954 to Doloris and Dr. Thomas Lastrapes. She spent her formative years in Marion, Ohio and graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1976 with her teaching degree and multiple teaching certificates.

Susan was hired by the Humble ISD in 1979 to teach Special Education at Woodland Hills Elementary School. In 1985, she moved to Humble Middle School. Special education was a mission for Susan, inspired by her two special needs brothers. In 1996, she switched to Humble High School to teach Theater. She taught Special Education and Theater at Creekwood Middle School from 2004 until her retirement from full time teaching in 2006. Susan watched with pride as her students produced and performed many well-known plays for their parents and the community. Discovering she wasn't ready to hang it up, she became a substitute in the school district in 2008 and was still substituting until her sudden passing. It's amazing to think about all the children's lives she touched during her 40+ years of teaching.

Susan had a gift for teaching and directing theater performances, working for decades with the in schools and with numerous theatre organizations where she devoted her time to helping performers hone their craft. She reveled in every phase of the process, from tryouts, choreography, and set design to blocking and production. Selecting the plays she thought would be the most meaningful for the actors and enjoyed by the audience was a real pleasure. She recently had gotten back into being a judge for student plays and thoroughly enjoyed the experience as it brought her much happiness.

Having grown up with dachshunds, Susan had a great love for wiener dogs and became a rescue sponsor for dogs without a home. They were her family and much beloved, especially Rudolph, Rufus and Max. While she enjoyed traveling, it was always hard for her to be away from them.

Faith and her church community were foundational in Susan's life. She was a dedicated and active member of Kingwood Christian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Michael. She is survived by her brother Tommy (Marion, OH), brother David and wife Sheila (Austin, TX), and brother Tim and wife Tina (Powell, OH), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at her church in Kingwood on March 15, 2025, at 10:30am. Donations in her honor may be made to Doctors Without Borders.

2024

Mariana Jones Meaders

Mariana Jones Meaders died on September 25, 2024. She was born on March 7, 1951, in New York, New York to Helen Mary Jacques and Raymond Jones. She was the first of four girls to be born in four years. This set her path toward being everyone’s dramatic boss.

When she was 13 years old, she and her sisters, Donna, Susan, and Dolores went to live at the Pythian Home in Weatherford, Texas where she met her first love Daniel Meaders. Coming to “the home” set her path toward public speaking, speech, and her love of theatre. In 1969, Mariana graduated from Weatherford High School, where she was impacted by many friends and teachers.

In 1970, she married Craig Stockstill while they attended Texas Cristian University. She began her teaching career in 1974. Craig and Mariana made many moves through the years which allowed her to touch the lives of students at Meecham MS, Weatherford, Callisburg, Whitney, Schertz-Cibolo, Marion, Lake Travis, and Georgetown ISDs. In 1976, they welcomed Kristi, the love of her life.

In 1999, Mariana married Billy D. Taylor. They met at Riverbend Church in Austin, Texas where they had a large and fun friend group. Many of whom still keep up with Mariana after Billy’s passing in 2002.

After suffering the loss of beloved spouses, Mariana found her first and last love, Daniel. They had twenty years of love, laughter, and travels.

Mariana loved with wild abandon. She was a fierce advocate for education, especially theatre education. She left sprinkles everywhere she went, literally. She touched the lives of everyone she ever met. The world is better for having had her in it.

We ask that in lieu of flowers you donate to either your local high school theatre program in her honor, or a cat shelter. She was always a crazy cat lady. Don’t be sad that she is gone, be glad that we had her for seventy-four years.

Mariana is preceded in death by her grandmother Ora Mae Stovall, sisters Donna (Fench), Susan (Maronick), and Dolores (Didway), her nephew Chandon (Gray), her second husband Billy D. Taylor, and her parents Tom and Mary Stockstill.

She is survived by her daughter Kristi Stockstill Gold (Brian Gold) and “grand angels” Joseph, Chet, and Vivian. She also leaves her love Daniel, stepson Daniel (Terry), stepdaughter Kim (Tom), grandchildren Reed, and Lindsay, great grandson Hudson, and grandchildren Alexis, Brandon, Hunter and Cole (Wilson), children of her stepdaughter Kerri; niece Stephanie (Maronick), nephews Clinton (French), John (Maronick), and Andew (Didway), as well as the thousands of students, teachers, friends (the Ya-Yas, especially), and theatre educators.

Mary Sue Smith

May 21, 1950 - February 21, 2024

Funeral services for Mary Smith were held on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Bowers Funeral Home in Teague. Bro. Roy Prather  officiated. Interment followed the service at Driver Cemetery. 

Mary Sue Smith, 73, of Teague, passed away February 21, 2024, with family close by.

She was born to the late Dale and Marie Boles, May 21, 1950, in Teague, Texas. Mary Sue graduated from Teague High School in 1968 and received a BA in Theater from Sam Houston State University in 1972.

She married John Wesley Smith, to complete her family on June 23, 1983, and they lived together in Teague for the next 41 years. Mary Sue is survived by her husband, John Wesley Smith and two children and their spouses: Lucas Smith and wife Beth of Fairfield, and Ashley Marshall and husband Jon of Richmond, Virginia. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Mary Sue was predeceased by her daughter, Yancey Smith in 2008.

Mary Sue was a devoted teacher at Groesbeck and Teague High Schools for many years and was a dedicated director of theater during that time. She loved to work in her yard and loved being involved with the church, helping with the Christmas programs each year. Mary Sue was quite proud of her family, and leaves behind joyful memories of gatherings and holidays where she made things feel magical. Even as her health declined, her spirit never faltered. She remained happy and kind and showed love to anyone who came in contact with her.

Charles R. Jeffries

Charles R. Jeffries passed away suddenly on February 28, 2024 at the age of 85. Charles earned a bachelor’s degree from TCU and a master’s degree through the Dallas Theatre Center and Trinity University. He spent many successful years as a theatre teacher, inspiring his students not just in performance but also in living creatively and exceeding expectations. He worked tirelessly to mold young men and women into productive adults who would support a world that honored creativity and respect. Charles enjoyed many accolades in his career by making five appearances at the State UIL One-Act Play Competition and winning two championships. He was also honored by the Founders of TETA and was recognized for his accomplishments at the State Competition. In addition, he had several UIL scripts published.

Everyone would be lucky to have a friend like Charles, full of smiles and laughter. He had a talent for making people laugh, not only with him but also at him…he cared not. He loved life, family, theatre, and travel and was 1000% loyal to those who were a part of his world. He was a first-class co-worker, friend, and traveler. Charles was one of a kind and will be missed but never forgotten. He will live in our hearts and minds forever.

Charles is survived by a son Brett, daughter in law Yvonne McClendon-Jeffries; by his grandchildren Blake Jeffries, Jordan Jeffries, Drew Jeffries, Anthony Santos, Mia-Nikole Santos and Valeria Santos; and by numbers of friends and former students. The world is a little less bright without Charles.