Shirley E. Thornberry

Shirley E. Thornberry, 86, a lifelong resident of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord Sunday, March 16, 2014, at Holston Manor following a long illness.

She was born in Spartanburg, SC, on October 12, 1927, a daughter of the late Charles and Laura Gerrell. She graduated from Science Hill High School. During World War II she worked in a photography studio taking pictures of soldiers and sailors, which is where she met her husband. She was a member of First Christian Church, where she was a church hostess and organized numerous church gatherings and functions. Shirley was a former President of Women's Republican Club, very active in politics and was a "Goldwater Girl." She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mom, grandmother, Gigi and friend who loved cooking and working for the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Holston Manor and Dr. Reed.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Russell Thornberry (2000) and one brother, Charles Gerrell.

She is survived by her son, Russ Thornberry and wife, Sherry, Kingsport; her daughter, Kathy Reed and husband, Tony, Kingsport; six grandchildren, Gwen Willcox and husband, James, Jason Reed and wife, Joey, Russell Thornberry IV and wife, Dee, Jonathan Reed and wife Amanda, Kristi Bartley, and Larry Yakley; fifteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bob Thornberry and wife, Delores; and her special friend, Nina Fleming.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Phip Sams, minister officiating. There will be special music by Joe Johnson, soloist, and Bud Hulsey, pianist.

The graveside service will be at 12:00 noon on Thursday at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Those attending are asked to meet at the cemetery by 11:45 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Jason Reed, Jonathan Reed, Russell Thornberry IV, Rob Thornberry, Joe White, and Doug Dade.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 106 E. Charlemont Ave., Kingsport, TN 37660.