Thelma Jean Skeen

Thelma Jean (Durham) Skeen, age 70 living in Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away after a lengthy illness. Thelma was born on March 5, 1955, to George and Ruth Durham of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. A normal obituary won't work for a woman who meant so much to so many people. If you knew her, you had a friend for life. She was a kind soul with a heart of gold. She loved to laugh and joke around with everyone every chance she got. Thelma worked in construction helping build bridges in Big Stone Gap and Weber City, Virginia. Her work in construction made her proud. She enjoyed hard work and would often hold jobs that mostly employed men. She was a truck driver for some time and made many friends in that line of work. She would often take her daughter, Julie, and spend time with her while on long hauls. After meeting her late husband Dickie, she eventually gave up the hard labor jobs, did volunteer work, and settled in as a homemaker full time to his and her kids. Thelma was known by many as a fantastic cook. She put her heart and soul into a meal for her family. As a homemaker she cooked every meal and snack for her kids. Her hobbies were a big part of her life. She was able to sew anything and often made things for her family and friends to enjoy. The hobby most people remember about Thelma was how talented and knowledgeable she was as a gardener. She grew the most beautiful flowers and enjoyed sharing them with everyone. She could put a gorgeous bouquet of flowers together in a moment’s notice by picking flowers from her own yard. She had a talent for gardening and she loved doing it, until she was no longer able. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Skeen; and her siblings, Dennis Durham, Andy Durham, Charlie Durham, Lacy Bolling, and Betty Sue Boggs. She is survived by her daughter, Julie Ashens; her special stepchildren, Michael Skeen, Beth Skeen, and Tracy Skeen; her granddaughter, Cheyenne Ashens; her special step grandchildren, River and Noah Skeen, Tyler and Zach Vorp, and Andrew, Taylor, and Josh Skeen; her brothers, Lennie Durham, Kirby Durham, Curtis Durham, Terry Durham, Paul Bolling, and her sisters, Alice Davidson, Emma Lou Waddell, and Sabrina Durham. A graveside service will be held at Noon on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Skeen Cemetery. Those attending are asked to meet at Holding Funeral Home at 11:30 to go in procession.

Thelma Jean Skeen

March 5, 1955 - March 2, 2026

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