Mary ‘Evie’ Thurman

Mary “Evie” Thurman, 91, a lifelong resident of the Luminary community in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

She owned and operated Thurman’s Grocery in the Luminary community with her husband, Grady, before he passed in 2002. She continued in the business until the end of 2016, for a total of 56 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Grady Thurman; parents, Lloyd and Media Swafford; brothers, Mannis, Leonard, and Manuel Swafford; sisters, Shirley and Lillis Swafford, Artie Roberts and Ruthie Edwards; beloved nephews and nieces, Kenneth, Donnie, and Bobby Swafford, Michael Roberts, Denny Edwards, Wilma and Vernie Fields.

She is survived by her children, Ray (Donna) Thurman and Marilyn (Rodger) Copeland; step-granddaughter, Sharlene (Calvin) Daniel; step-great-grandchildren, Tyler, Cameron and Abby Daniel; sister-in-law, Lola Heard and Leota (Delbert) Drake; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, along with close family friends who loved and cared for her.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 5, at 1:00 p.m. CDT at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in the Luminary community with Bro. David Brock and Bro. Donnie Umphrey officiating. Burial will be in the Thurman Family Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 4, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Samaritan’s Purse or The Gideons.

Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.

Arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home 1171 Main Street Pikeville.