Thelma Jean Orton

Thelma Orton, 86, of Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Brookdale Assisted living, following a period of declining health. Born in Lee County, Virginia on November 17, 1939 to the late Nelson and Pearl Goins Skidmore, she graduated from Jonesville High School, class of 1958. She also graduated from Johnston Memorial Hospital School of Nursing with a degree in nursing in 1961, and married James “Dick” Orton in February of 1963. She retired from Holston Valley Hospital following 40 years of service having served as Director of Nursing. Thelma will be remembered as someone who loved taking care of others, spending time with her family, collecting antiques and spending time with her dogs. She had a heart of gold.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick Orton; son, Richard Orton; and brother, Bobby Skidmore and wife, Shirley.

Survivors include her son, Jimmy Orton and wife, Tammy; granddaughter, Allie Light and husband, Holden; honorary grandkids, Brianna Hohman and Brenden Bishop; sister, Linda Gibson and husband, Dan; nieces and nephews, Jason Gibson, Jordan Gibson, Vanessa Bray, Roger Skidmore; several great nieces and nephews; special friends, Barbara Chase, Nancy Childress, Judy Blakely and Phyllis Neeski; and special pet, Peanut.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Brookdale Assisted Living and Smoky Mountain Hospice for their care of Thelma.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Honorary pallbearers are Jordan Gibson, Jason Gibson, Vanessa Bray, Dan Gibson, Tom Fake and Holden Light.