KINGSPORT -
Nellie McGhee Thornburg Roberts, 82, entered into rest Saturday, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Greene County, a daughter to the late William and Ellie Pitt
McGhee, she was a longtime resident of Kingsport.
In addition to her
parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Berthold Thornburg; her soul mate and
second husband, Martin D. "Dude" Roberts; a son, Joel Thornburg; sisters, Gertrude, Annalou and
Etta; and brothers, Ben, Fred and Johnny.
Survivors include her
daughter and caregiver: Diana Johnson and husband, Jim; granddaughters and also caregivers: Hilda
Nowlin amd Jennifer Mullins; a grandson: Vince Mullins; a granddaughter: Crystal Henderson; a
brother, G.W. McGhee; nine great-grandchildren including special great-grandchildren: Peyton, Buffy
and David; a foster daughter: Star Allen; a foster son: Jerry Allen; a former son-in-law: Johnny
Mullins and his wife, Lisa, to whom Nellie was very close; a special friend and caregiver: John
Nelson; and several nieces and nephews including special nieces: Carolyn, Brenda, Norma and Wilma.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. today at East Lawn
Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service will follow at 7 p.m. with
Evangelist Johnny Persinger officiating.
Graveside services will be
held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at East Lawn Memorial Park.
