Delores Louise Thornberry

Delores Louise Thornberry, age 85, of Asheville, N.C. went home to receive her heavenly reward on June 2, 2014 surrounded by family members at her residence following a long illness. Delores loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her passion for music, both vocal and playing the piano was an inspiration for her family and friends. She was born in Johnson City, Tennesse later relocating to Asheville, N.C. with her husband and children. She was the daughter of the late Monnie Gobble Pickel and Blaine Henry Pickel . In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by sister Charlotte Dean of Knoxville, TN. and brother Fred Pickel of Johnson City, TN. She graduated from Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee and later graduated from Tennessee Weslyan College (TWC) in Athens, Tennessee. During her tenure as a student at TWC she majored in voice and won the title of Miss TWC Beauty Pageant. She was a member of Skyland United Methodist Church and had been a very active member in the choir, Sunday School class and the Womens Circle. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing tennis, gardening, and the outdoors. She and her husband were supportive of many charties and local agencies in time of need. In addition to her parents, she leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband James Robert, Sr., son, Rob Thornberry Jr. and wife Debra, daughter, Teresa Peterson and husband Stan, grandchildren included are grandson Taylor Lovell and granddaughter, Megan Brooks, brothers Lee Roy Pickel and wife Mildred, Jimmy Pickel and wife Jean of Johnson City, Tennessee, George Pickel and wife Pat of Farragut, Tennessee, sister, Janice Burgess and husband Jim Fields of Raleigh, N.C. The family would like to extend a special 'Thank You'? to Hospice and Memorial Mission Hospitals professional staff and support personnel for the care and their compassion for Delores during her time of illness.