Thelma Lee Holder Van Deman

Thelma Lee Holder Van Deman, age 81, of Piney Flats, Tennessee, passed away at home on Thursday, August 8, 2024, after a long and brave fight with cancer.

She was born in Sweetwater, Tennessee, on September 20, 1942, to the late Lowry LaRue Holder and Helen Pauledith “Pauline” Browder Holder.

Thelma was and is dearly loved and cherished by her husband, William “Bill” Van Deman, who shared a happy life with her for 37 years, just shy of their 38th wedding anniversary on August 15.

Thelma (“Momma” and “Grandmother”) loved flowers, birds, a perfectly clean and beautiful home, picking out gifts for family, and traveling with Bill. She was a member of Wheeler United Methodist Church.

Along with her parents, Thelma is preceded in death by four sisters: JoAnn Quackenbush, Lillian Yvonne “Snookie” Waters, Ellen Ruth Spurgeon, and Linda Kay Mohr.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include: her three children, Annette Spence (Michael) Feely of Knoxville, Tennessee, Herman (Jean) Spence III of Dallas, Georgia, and Allen (Amy) Spence of Durham, North Carolina; three stepdaughters, Elizabeth (Al) Vitaro, Katie (Ryan) Spellecy, and Sarah Van Deman; one sister, Rosemary Todd; six grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.

The family will gather for a private memorial service soon.

Gifts in her memory can be made to one of her favorite ministries: Shades of Grace UMC at 313 E. Sullivan Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, or to Norwood UMC Meal Ministry at P.O. Box 900, Alcoa, Tennessee 37701.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Thelma Van Deman. 423-282-1521.