Margaret Shelley Thurmond

Margaret Shelley Gover Thurmond peacefully left this earth and entered her Heavenly home, Sunday, October 12, 2014. Born in Danville, KY, August 15, 1925, she moved to Corbin, KY at age 4 when her parents, Jack and Eugenia Gover, founded Gover Floral Co. A graduate of Corbin High School, she attended Centre College in Danville, KY where she met the love of her life, Robert Helm Thurmond. They married in 1947 and to this union were born 4 children.
Following her retirement as Social Services Director of Christian Health Center in 1996, she continued her gift of service as an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Corbin. A member of First Christian Church of Corbin for over 85 years, she served as Teacher, Youth Director, Women's Leader, Elder Emeritus and Choir Soloist. An avid square dancer, she was a founding member of the Dudes and Dolls Square Dance Club in addition to many other civic and community organizations.
Preceding her in death in addition to her parents and husband, were her best friend and brother, Jack Gover, Jr. & wife Le, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Frances Thurmond. Also preceding were 3 grandchildren, Merry, Kelly & Joshua Strunk and five great grandchildren.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Carol & Claude Bentley, Rob & Robbie Thurmond, Lee Ann & Carson Strunk, Amy & Garry Conley. Ten grandchildren and their spouses: Chris Bentley, Cathy & Wayne Mills, Chuck & Nicole Bentley, Jeff & Kellee Thurmond, Rebecca & Sam Carmichael, Sarah & John Miller, David & Lisa Strunk, Leah & Keith Carlson, Michael & Jenna Conley, Matt & Jessica Conley, and twenty - one great grandchildren. Also surviving, niece Kay Thurmond, nephews, Jeff Thurmond, Jack Gover, Steve Gover, one great nephew and several dear cousins
A celebration of life will be conducted at 1:00 pm Saturday, October 18, 2014 at First Christian Church, 100 N Kentucky Ave, Corbin, Ky. The family will begin receiving friends at 11:00 am. Rev. Ron Mitchell and The Rev. Jeff Bell will be officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery. Family will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Corbin.
The Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home is serving the Thurmond family and messages may be sent to