Shelby “Jean” Thomas,
Shelby “Jean” Thomas, age 87, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
Jean was born in Warrior, Al., on Sept. 5, 1936, the daughter of the late Samuel “Sam” Griffie and Canary Jane Sharritt Griffie. She has been a resident of Hamilton County since 1999, moving from Panama City, Fl. after 26 years of residency, she also resided in Fort Benning for 13 years. Jean retired in Panama City from the banking industry. She attended Fairview Baptist Church for many years. Jean enjoyed cooking, entertaining, bowling, an avid Auburn fan, and doing yard work. Also, Jean had a great love for the beach and sunshine. She loved her family immensely and was very strong willed.
In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Porter Ausbon Thomas; a sister, Joyce Ross; and a brother, Donald Ray Griffie.
Survivors include a son, Don (Kelly) Thomas; daughter, Teri (Rob) Hieftje; grandchildren, Cody, Megan, Kyle, Melinda, Makenna (Jordan), and Brian; great-grandchildren, Gage, Lacey, Cooper, Ty, and Austin Porter; a brother, Gary Griffie; and a sister, Linda (Marshall) Shrum.
A Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, Dec. 20, at noon, Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Gibson officiating. Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for Tish Chenkus and Kathy Ballew for taking excellent care of Jean.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.