Betty Shanks

Betty Shanks, of Sullivan Garderns, died early Tuesday morning, July 27, 2010, at Wexford House. She was born in Tampa, FL, and had resided in Sullivan Gardens for most of her life. Betty was a secretary for Sullivan High School and Sullivan Elementary School, then for the State of Florida, where she retired after more than 25 years of service. She was a member of Sullivan Baptist Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Ray and Gladys Shanks; brothers, Billy Shanks and Sammy Shanks; and a niece, Terri Dean.

She is survived by a sister, Lois Shanks, of Sullivan Gardens; brothers, Thomas Shanks and wife, Doris, of Rock Springs, and Frank Shanks, Sullivan Gardens; niece, Tracey DeHaut, and husband, Mike; nephews, Drew Shanks, Darren Shanks, Chad Shanks and wife, Tina, Chris Shanks, Gary Shanks and wife, Vicki, Pat Shanks and Tammy, Tim Shanks and wife, Candy, Mickey Shanks; several great-nieces and great-nephews; sisters-in-law, Pauline Shanks and Helen Shanks; uncles and aunts, Elmer Johnson, Knoxville, Dale Johnson and wife, Helen, Johnson City, and Kathleen Shanks; and special friends, Ginger Goings, Kim, Mike, Caitlyn and Aiden Pratt, and Shane Kirk.

The family will receive friends at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport, on Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Services will follow at 7:00, with Pastor Jeff Strong officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at East Lawn Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Betty's nephews, Chad Shanks, Chris Shanks, Pat Shanks, Drew Shanks, Gary Shanks, Darren Shanks, and Mickey Shanks. Honorary pallbearers will be Tracey DeHaut, Dennis Ryans, Homer Ryans, Charles Short, Tom Zollman, Don Haren, Burl Blakley, Michael Johnson, Michael Pratt, and Shane Kirk.

Memorial contributions in Betty's honor may be given to Sullivan Baptist Church, 4152 Maplewood Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.

The family would like to express special thanks to the nurses and staff at Wexford House and to Smokey Mountain Hospice.