Thelma Shipley

Thelma Joyce (White) Shipley entered into her heavenly home on Monday, April 23, 2018. She had been lovingly cared for by her granddaughter, Laura Shipley Tomlin, for three years in Spring Hill, TN.

Thelma was born on July 21, 1931 to Fieldon and Minnie White in Erwin, TN. She was a loyal choir member of Calvary Baptist Church in Erwin. After moving to Kingsport, Thelma and her husband, Lloyd, were active members of Litz Manor Baptist Church. Thelma enjoyed serving others as a part of the Women's Missionary Union, Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, member of the deacon selection committee, and Cloud Apartments Bible Team. She regularly visited the sick and shut-ins and wrote countless cards of encouragement. On any given Sunday you could hear Thelma's beautiful soprano voice joyfully singing hymns with the congregation, or see her counting the offerings for the week, or making arrangements for food to neighbors and friends who had lost loved ones.

Thelma was an avid reader, enjoyed search word puzzles, and loved to watch sports on TV but especially the Atlanta Braves. She will forever be remembered for her love of the old time gospel music. Her nurses and caregivers were blessed when she sang to them. She is now rejoicing in heaven singing, "Victory in Jesus!"

Mrs. Shipley was preceded in death by her five year old daughter, Amy Joyce Shipley, and husband, William Lloyd "Bill" Shipley.

She is remembered with love by her sons, Steve Shipley (Susan) of Spring Hill, and Ken Shipley as well as former daughter-in-law Gloria Hood Shipley, of Knoxville. Grandchildren include: Laura Shipley Tomlin, Landon Shipley, Lane Shipley and great-granddaughter, Ellie Tomlin.

The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 pm on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Litz Manor/Port City Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm with Rev. Ed Talley officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.

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