Shirley Kay Kite, 82, of Morristown went home to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, October 12, 2020 at her home surrounded by her devoted children, who never left her side during her long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Shirley was born in Greeneville's Midway area to Howard and Opal Franklin on May 23, 1938. She lived on a farm by the river and was no stranger to hard work. She graduated from Camp Creek School, where she enjoyed playing basketball and softball. She was an avid sports fan who could be found wearing UT orange Reeboks on most game days. She was a faithful member of Cherokee Hills Baptist Church, where she served as the church's hostess for many years. Shirley worked as a shipping clerk at Berkline for more than 40 years. She came to be known as "Momma Berkline." She was a loving grandmother who enjoyed doing cartwheels and jumping on the trampoline.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Carl Kite; and brother, Tommy Franklin.
Shirley is survived by her two loving children, Robert Kite and Karla Lewis of Morristown; two sisters, Joyce Bird and Peggy Broyles of Greeneville; three granddaughters, Tabatha (Ryan) Swayze of Bean Station, Jessica Wardwell of Morristown and Samantha Wilson of Indiana; grandson, Ryan Kite of Indiana; great-grandsons, Cameron Ferguson and Zane Swayze; great-granddaughters, Karleigh and Khloee Wardwell; and great-great-grandson, Lejend Ferguson.
Visitation with friends and family will be 5 – 7 p.m., Thursday, October 15 at Allen Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 7 p.m. A private family graveside interment will be held at Philipi Cemetery in Bulls Gap.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Shirley Kay Kite, please visit our floral store.