Nellie L. Roberts

Nellie McGhee Thornburg Roberts, age 82, entered into rest December 8, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Greene County, TN, a daughter to the late William and Ellie Pitt McGhee, she was a longtime resident of Kingsport. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death her first husband, Berthold Thornburg, her soul mate and second husband, Martin D. “Dude” Roberts; son, Joel Thornburg; sisters, Gertrude, Annalou and Etta; brothers, Ben, Fred and Johnny. Survivors include her daughter and caregiver, Diana Johnson and husband Jim; granddaughters and also caregivers, Hilda Nowlin, Jennifer Mullins; grandson, Vince Mullins; and granddaughter Crystal Henderson; brother, G.W. McGhee; nine great-grandchildren including special great-grandchildren, Peyton, Buffy and David; foster daughter, Star Allen; foster son, Jerry Allen; former son-in-law, Johnny Mullins and his wife Lisa who Nellie was very close to; special friend and caregiver, John Nelson; several nieces and nephews including special nieces Carolyn, Brenda, Norma and Wilma.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at East Lawn Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Evangelist Johnny Persinger officiating. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at East Lawn Memorial Park. East Lawn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Roberts family, please visit www.eastlawnkingport.com to leave a condolence for the family.