Minnie Belle Whitson

Minnie Belle Whitson, age 90, of Johnson City, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2011 in the Lakebridge Health Care Center. Mrs. Whitson was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, a daughter of the late Dave Grindstaff and Fara Price Grindstaff. She retired with 25 years of service as a Sales Clerk from Kings Department Store. Mrs. Whitson was preceded in death by her first husband, Luther Gilley and second husband, DeWitt Whitson, one son, Larry Gilley, five brothers, and two sisters. She is survived by one daughter, Linda Rice, of Jonesborough, TN; three sons, Gary Gilley and wife Pat, of Johnson City, TN, David Gilley, of New Hampshire, and Kevelyn Gilley and partner Richard W. Lukens, of West Bath, ME; five grandchildren, Nancy Hope, Kenneth Rice, Phyllis Moore, Wayne Gilley, and Karen Gilley; eight great grandchildren; one sister, Mamie Giles, of Kingsport, TN; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm in the Morris-Baker Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 1:00 pm in the Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Rice, Dewey Hope, Jacob Hope and Logan Gilley. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 12:40 pm. Arrangements are by Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City. 423-282-1521.