Mrs. Lena Guffey Thomas

Lena L’Lane Guffey Thomas, 86, passed away on May 6, 2017. Love is where her story began: Lena was born in Cleveland, TN. She was the loving daughter of the late Gloster Guffey and Ellen Picklesimer Guffey. She was married to the late James A. Thomas for 42 years. Lena was preceded in death by her daughter Linda Elaine Thomas Pugh, her grandson Christopher Nathan Phillips, her sisters Viola Strickland, Frankie Olivas, Louise Guffey, Ruby Guffey and her brother Sam Guffey. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Larry Thomas, Marcia Thomas, Gail (Melvin) Dooley, Carol (Joe) Phillips, Debbie Guffey Morgan and Son-in-law Jim Pugh. Lena had fifteen loving grandchildren, Jim (Susan) Dooley, David (Kim) Thomas, Jamie Phillips, Jeremy (Lisa) Pugh, Shannon (Shane) Price, Ginger (Jimmy) Whisman, Tim Dooley, Missy (Chris) Martin, Cory (Lindsey) Pugh, Josh (Camrie) Pugh, Erica (Frankie) Thompson, Lindsey Thomas, Brian Morgan and Brandon Morgan; 21 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and a Jack Russell that has been her best friend, her baby Blossom. A dedicated mother and homemaker, Lena was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and loved ones. She loved to work in the yard and take care of her beautiful flowers. Over the years, she collected dolls and antiques. She also loved to listen to Billy Graham, David Jeremiah, Charles Stanley and she watched food and cooking channels. She was dedicated to her children and family. She received an awarded of appreciation for attending all basketball games, band events, track meets, softball games or anything her children participated in, she always assisted with transporting the teams. Lena had an unwavering faith in God and love for her family. The sacrifices she made for her children will always be imbedded in our hearts and mind. She was once asked: “What did you think when you realized four of your five children went to the altar to accept the Lord with you.” She replied: “I didn’t think about what was behind me, all I could think about was what was ahead of me.” Lena was a member of Soddy Daisy First Baptist Church. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 8, 2017 from 5 pm to 8 pm at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 2 pm at the funeral home with a committal service to follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are held by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.