Sharon Kelly Thomas

Sharon Kelly Thomas (82) passed away peacefully at her home on August 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Sharon was born to Mr. and Mrs. Marion Nelson Kelly, Sr. on October 1, 1942, in Knoxville, Tennessee and resided there her entire life. She married William (Bill) Morgan Thomas on December 19, 1964, and had two sons, William “Morgan” Thomas, Jr. and Reese Kelly Thomas.

Sharon graduated from Bearden High School and the University of Tennessee where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Following college, she taught at Farragut Elementary School. Her passions included gardening and spending time caring for her yard and home. She was a member of Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, the Junior League of Knoxville, the Knoxville Garden Club, Cherokee Country Club, and the Nine O’clock Cotillion.

Sharon, a faithful Christian, had a true servant’s heart and provided care and comfort to all those who knew her, particularly in times of sickness and heartbreak. She was passionately devoted to her family, and they will be forever grateful for the gift of her presence in their lives.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Marion Nelson “Bud” Kelly, Jr. (Madeline Pratt Kelly) and Richard Lane Kelly (Celia Bartlett).

Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Bill; her two sons, Morgan (Kristi) and Reese (Scarlett); her daughter-in-law emeritus Mary Lyons Thomas; her brother-in-law, Norman Thomas II (Helen); her four grandchildren (to whom she was lovingly known as “Ghigi”), Reese “Kelly” Thomas, Jr. (Kara), Carter Price Thomas, Carson Adams Thomas (Brooke), and Cameryn Thomas Russell (Luke); three great-grandchildren, Henley, Delaney, and Will Thomas; her close and loyal cousin, Pat Kelly; and nieces and nephews Virginia Kelly Price (Tom), Nelson Kelly (Lori), Benjamin “Ben” Kelly (Barsha), Kristy Kelly, Lane Kelly, and Michelle Thomas Lawson.

The family would like to recognize and thank the many doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers for the loving comfort and care provided to Sharon with a special thank you to Dr. Larry Kilgore and his staff at UT Medical Center and to her compassionate and attentive caretakers Clem, Sharon, Sherry, and Jaci.

In accordance with Sharon’s wishes, there will be a private burial ceremony. A gathering for friends and family will be held at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church.