Thelma B. Eblen

Thelma B. Eblen, 88, of Salem, Va., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 16, 2009. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Caroline Blevins, of Chilhowie, Va. Thelma retired at the age of 72 from what eventually became the Home Shopping Network, was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Salem, and thoroughly enjoyed traveling. Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Philip N. Eblen; brothers, Paul, Thier, and Fields Blevins; and a sister, Stella Severt. She is survived by her daughter, Sue Sink and husband, Jerry; granddaughter, Tracy Sink Martin and husband, Rob; great grandchildren, Kerrington and Eli Martin; brother, George Blevins; sister, Josephine Crouse; sisters-in-law, Gae Blevins, Jewell Blevins, Joyce Cornette, and Ruby Hollingsworth; brother-in-law, Evan; and a number of nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all of the staff at Snyder Nursing Home for the wonderful care they gave Thelma. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 17, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2009, at First United Methodist Church in Salem. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. The Rev. Dr. D. Michael Houff will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thelma's name to either First United Methodist Church at 125 West Main Street in Salem, Va. 24153 or to the Salem Rescue Squad at 201 South Broad Street in Salem, Va. 24153. Online condolences to the family may be made at johnmoakey.com. The Eblen family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va., 540-389-5441.