Mrs. Stella Ruth Danley Masterson, of Florence, a believer in Jesus who cared, loved and served as His faithful disciple, passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, after a lengthy illness.
The funeral will be at Wood Avenue Church of Christ on Sunday, Nov. 29. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., with the funeral at 2 p.m. The graveside service will follow at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
Stella was a loving, faithful wife who with Jack defined “good marriage” for 70 years. She was a mother who taught her children to seek truth and do right and who loved them and their families intensely. She was also a friend who truly cared for people and sought to alleviate others’ loneliness, sadness and worry.
She is survived by a son, Jerry Masterson (Celia), of Brentwood, Tennessee; a daughter, Kathy Blackburn (Barry), of Johnson City, Tennessee; grandsons, Brian Masterson (Jennifer) and Lee Blackburn (Kirstin); granddaughters, Susan Womack (Stephen) and Bonnie Whitfield (Ben); and 10 great-grandchildren.
Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Jack D. Masterson; parents, Oliver Alonzo and Lera Edna Bragwell Danley; sisters, Thelma Danley and Etoyle Abston; and brothers, Everett Danley, O.A. Danley Jr., Ray Danley, Earl Danley and Claud Danley.
Pallbearers will be Brian Masterson, Benford Masterson, Roy Abston, Mike Coston, Lee Blackburn, Kenneth Westmoreland, Steve Abston and Stephen Womack. Honorary bearers will be Ray Campbell and Pud Harrison.
The family extends their thanks to Mitchell-Hollingsworth Rehabilitation and Nursing Center who waited on Stella with wonderful kindness and Southern Care and Amedysis hospice services.
Stella was a lifetime member of Associated Women of Mars Hill and enjoyed serving at their functions. Please consider memorials to Mars Hill Bible School or to Jack and Stella Masterson Scholarship Fund at Lipscomb University.
Steve Chenault and Elkins Funeral Home are assisting the family.
