Lucy Lenora Gilkey

Lucy Lenora Gilkey, 101, of Kingsport, TN, arrived at her Heavenly home on Friday, July 22, 2022. Lenora married Eugene Wilson Gilkey in 1945, and they celebrated fifty-eight years of marriage together. In her long life, Lucy worked as "Rosie the Riveter"; she provided foster care to many young babies, sold Avon, worked in her own home, and also as a housekeeper for others. She was a skilled baker who enjoyed sharing her delights with others. Lenora was known as a wordsmith who was skilled at Trivial Pursuits. She was well read, intelligent, and she was known for clipping articles of particular interest to share with others. She loved gardening and flowers and considered gardening the best form of exercise. Lenora's favorite quip was, "Life is uncertain; eat dessert first!" Lenora is preceded in death by her loving husband Wilson; daughter, Theodocia Pearl Nicholas. Those left to cherish her memory are daughters, Mary Lynn White (Gaylon) of Kingsport, TN, Effie Eugenia Bennett (John) of Pasadena, CA; grandchildren, Shane White (Michele), Erin Fairbanks (Greg), Rory White (AnnaLiisa), Joy Scott (Mike), Ben Nicholas (Sarah), Melody Nicholas, John Bennett (Shelby); seventeen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren. A committal service will be held at 11 AM, Monday, July 25, 2022, at Mountain Home National Cemetery, Veterans Drive, Mountain Home, Tennessee. Attendees are asked to arrive by 10:50 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Gideons. Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Gilkey family.