Linda Kay Shipley “Ms. Kay,” passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Ivy Hall Nursing Home, at the age of 66. She was born on May 26, 1950, in Carter County, a daughter of the late Ollie and Ed Shipley. In addition to her parents, she was recently preceded in death by her aunt, Mary Sue Blevins.
Ms. Kay was a member of Riverview Baptist Church, where she was especially loved by, and loved in return, all the children of the church. Ms. Kay was active in the church and taught Bible School and loved her church family. She was a loving person who was positive in every circumstance and never had an unkind word for anyone. She was an avid reader, loved music and was a faithful and loving friend. She was also an animal lover and loved her dogs.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sister, Brenda Norkett, Elizabethton; a brother, Glen Shipley and his wife, Sissy, Johnson City; two special great-nieces, Megan Presnell, Jonesborough, and Katie Graybeal, Gray; and a loving friend, Ginger Burleson, Elizabethton. Several other nephews and a niece also survive.
A service to honor the life of Ms. Kay will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 9, in the Chapel of Peace, Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Larry Shorter and Pastor Mark Grubbs officiating. Music will be under the direction of Mrs. Carmen Cook and Ms. Megan Presnell will deliver the eulogy. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 10, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be James Honeycutt, Theron Johnson, Eli Bales, John Colbaugh, Dr. Keith Morley and Lawrence Fields. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Riverview Baptist Church, and cousins, Jim Hawk and Clayton Hawk. Everyone will meet at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton at 9:15 a.m. Thursday to go in procession. The family appreciates the loving care given to Kay by the staff of the Regional Cancer Center in Johnson City and the staff of Ivy Hall Nursing Home in Elizabethton. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Riverview Baptist Church, 1419 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or the American Cancer Society, C/O Lou Cooter, 415 Washington Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Shipley family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.