Dale Dean Lilley

Dale Dean Lilley, 70, of Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2023, at her home in Kingsport, TN, where she wanted to be. Dale was born August 17, 1952, to the late Dean and Mildred Day. In addition to her parents, Dale was preceded in death by her older sister, Edna McCormick.

Dale was a faithful member of the Lord's church, and was a member at the Pleasant View church of Christ. She enjoyed lifting up her voice in singing praises to God with the congregation. Dale loved the Lord and always strove to follow His word, so that she could be an example to her family and those who she came in contact with.

Dale loved many things, but the one thing she loved most was to travel with her husband, Tom, as they drove a big rig cross-country making many memories as they went along the way. Dale and Tom were married for fifty years, nine months, and 16 days. They would have celebrated 51 years on September the 17th of this year. Tom holds these adventures close to his heart, along with an untold number of other precious memories they made during their lives together.

Dale adored her grand and great-grandchildren beyond measure. She showered them with her love and delighted in watching them grow up. She also loved animals, flowers, and losing herself for a while in a good book. She was a good listener, providing advice or support, or just acting as a sounding board.

Dale is survived by her loving husband, Tom Lilley; her two children, son, Michael Lilley and wife Kim, and daughter, Kristi Davis Lilley; her grandchildren, David Young, Deena Davis, and Conor Lilley, and her great-grandson, Samuel Davis; one sister, Dory Day, who resides in California; one brother, Clyde Day, who resides in Valdosta, Georgia.

The visitation will be held at the Pleasant View church of Christ, 153 Glendale Road, Limestone, TN, 37681 on July 7, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with the service to follow with Minister Tom Lilley officiating.

The burial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2630 TN-75 (across from Tri-Cities Airport), Blountville, TN, 37617, with Minister Dennis Murphy officiating. Attendees and pall bearers are asked to arrive by 9:45 AM.

Dale's wish was that instead of flowers for her, that donations be made in her honor to St. Jude Chidren's Research Hospital in Memphis.


This obituary is lovingly written by Dale's husband, Tom. Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Lilley family.