Thelma Lou Ball Nipper

Thelma Lou Ball Nipper, 82, of Knoxville, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 10, 2015. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Tabernacle where she loved to sing in the choir. She retired from Knox County Schools as a cafeteria manager, where she worked for over twenty years. She put everybody else before herself, and was a very compassionate person. She would tell everyone “You’re as welcome as the little flowers that bloom in May.” She loved planning vacations for her girls and she intricately planned every detail.

She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-five years, Kenneth Lee Nipper; her parents, William H. and Volena Ball; sister, Bonnie Morrow; sister in law Helen Loy. Thelma, Helen, and Bonnie were known as “The Golden Girls”.

She is survived by her children, Janet (Tommy) Milligan, Ken (Jenny) Nipper, John (Gail) Nipper, and Penni (Mark) Myers; grandchildren, Jenni Akens, Sharon Heck, Rebecca Hutchinson, Amber Nipper, John Nipper, Rick Myers; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and brothers Jim, John, and Ed (Betty) Ball; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a receiving of friends on Thursday, November 12, 2015, from 5:00-7:00PM at the Calvary Baptist Tabernacle with a funeral service to follow at 7:00PM with Pastor Allen Johnson officiating. There will be a graveside service on Friday, November 13, 2015, at 11:00AM at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Thelma’s honor to Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, 6922 Seaver Road, Knoxville, TN 37909.