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“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:29-31

Thelma L. Crumley, 92, peacefully passed away July 14th, at her home, with her family at her side.

She was a member of the last graduating class of Jonesboro High School in 1951. Thelma was a member of Boones Creek Christian Church for over 70 years where she taught many children about the love of Jesus. She taught the two- and three-year-old's Sunday School class for over 40 years. She was a member of the adult choir and was co-chairperson of the Upward Bound Committee, where she prepared meals and raised thousands of dollars for church building programs. She was also an integral part of organizing and planning a yearly annual senior event for area church members.

Thelma began her professional career working at Gordon’s Furniture in Johnson City, where she stayed for a short time. Later, she worked at Farm Credit Services in Johnson City and retired with 38 years of service.

She had a servant’s heart, not only for children, but for her community. She served on the Washington County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and was a member of the Washington County Cattlemen's Association, where she received the Cattlewoman of the Year Award. Thelma served many years as a 4-H Volunteer Leader and as a chaperone for many events and trips. She was recognized as the Washington County 4-H Volunteer Leader of the Year. Dean and Thelma also received the Appalachian Fair Us Army Parachute Team Golden Knights Baton in recognition of their long-term service to the fair and community.

Thelma supported her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in all their activities. You would often find Thelma and Dean at ball fields, school programs, graduations, cattle show, and anywhere else her family was involved.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents, Mary Lillian Moody; grandson, Christopher Adam Denny; brother-in-law, Ray Davis; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Snapp.

Survivors include her husband of 67 and a half years, Dean Crumley; daughters and sons-in-laws: Cathy and Jimmy Byers, Jane and Dean Denny, and Amy and Kevin Collette; grandchildren David and Beverly Byers, Christi and Eric Tipton, Ashey and Ethan Tolliver, Mary Beth Collette, and Callie Collette; great grandchildren: Aleah Byers, Brentlee Tolliver, JP Tipton, Judah Tipton, Abbi Byers, Braxton Tolliver, Brylie Tolliver, and John Henry Tipton; and sister, Jean Davis. She is also survived by several loved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Abigail Abram, Hunter Crandall, Dr. Tariq Haddadin, Whitney Pyles, Dr. Annette Abril, Tammie Payne, Iris Chumbley, Joy Gail Greene, Lynn Scarborough and Amelia Meade.

Pallbearers include Phil Booher, Glenn Davis, Robert Hall, Andy Hull, Mike Saylor, and Kelly Wolfe. Honorary pallbearers include Joel Davis, Justin Davis, David Edwards, Marvin Ogle, Adam Palko, John Payne, David Saylor, Donald Sims, Pat Wolfe, sons-in-law, grandson, and great grandsons.

Services for Thelma will be Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Burial will be at 10:00 am at Mountain Home National Cemetery with Minister Justin Davis. Visitation will be held at Boones Creek Christian Church from 4:30pm-7:30pm with the celebration service at 7:30 pm with Ministers Ben Cole, David Clark and Palma Bennett officiating. Those wishing to attend the burial are asked to meet at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home at 9:00 am. The service will be live streamed on Boones Creek Christian Church’s YouTube Channel for those unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Boones Creek Christian Church Children’s Ministry, Main Campus or Union Campus, 305 Christian Church Road, Johnson City, TN 37615.