Thelma "Mammy" Salyer Fulkerson

Thelma "Mammy" Salyer Fulkerson, 92, passed away peacefully and was welcomed Home into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center.

A lifelong faithful Christian, she was a charter member of New Beginnings Fellowship Church where her son, Dr. Leland H. Salyer, is the pastor. Born July 25, 1925, Thelma enjoyed an abundant life in which she spent time with her family, loved singing gospel music, watched the waves at Myrtle Beach, and made her famous chicken and dumplings for family and church gatherings.

Whether she was going to the store, church, or someone's house, Thelma always wore lovely clothes, usually accented with a colorful pin, necklace, or earrings. Over the years, Thelma held a variety of jobs. She worked at Eastman, various Sullivan County school cafeterias, and a couple of Kingsport-area restaurants. Known lovingly to many as Mammy, Thelma had the gift of a quick wit which brought joy and laughter to many people. The memory of her sweet smile will continue to be a blessing to all those whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Lewis C. Salyer, and her second husband, Robert Fulkerson.

Thelma is survived by her children, Lowanda Shelton (Ron) of Kingsport, Lewis Salyer, Jr. (Linda) of Indiana, and Leland Salyer (Wanda) of Blountville; grandchildren, Missy Belote (Brad) of Kingsport, Wendy Tase (Neiko) of Thailand, Quinn Shelton (Megan Krager) of Kingsport, David Salyer (Emma) of Indiana, Ben Salyer of Indiana, and Susan Mizelle (Justin) of Gray; great-grandchildren, Zeke, Zeb, and Quilla Belote, Vivi and Vizo Pal Tase, Hugh Mizelle, and Truett Salyer; and sister, Lorraine Holbrook of St. Paul, VA.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with her son, Dr. Leland H. Salyer officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

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