Earthly sunrise began for Gladys Mae Parton Boling on May 28, 1931, and in the evening of Wednesday, May 10, 2023, she experienced her final earthly sunset at age 91. Gladys passed peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Gladys came from humble beginnings, but one filled with the richness of family and love for God. Her life has been blessed, full and long. Old age is a gift many do not get to experience.
On Feb. 2, 1946, she married Victor L. Boling. The only man she ever knew and loved. To that union were born nine children. Vic and Gladys provided a loving, stable, and Christian home for their family. Gladys’ faith was well known far and wide, and her reputation as a godly woman preceded her wherever she went. She has left a mark on the lives of everyone around her.
She sang and played the guitar in church. Victor always made sure she had the best guitar. It probably cost more than their car at the time.
She has known joy and heartache in life. In 1967, her 9-year-old daughter Janie was killed by a drunk driver while walking to church. She lost her beloved granddaughter Leah Avril in 2009. In 2022 she lost her precious daughter Shirley, beloved grandson Tracey Justus (2018) and sweet great-grandson Richie Justus (2022).
Though our hearts are breaking, she stayed as long as her earthly body would allow. We find comfort in knowing where her heavenly sunrise is, rejoicing around the throne of God and embracing all her loved ones gone on to Heaven. It has been 36 years since she has embraced her husband. Now we can only imagine the reunion.
Preceded by husband, Victor Boling; daughters, Janie Boling and Shirley Sanders; granddaughter, Leah Avril; grandson, Tracey Justus; great-grandson, Richie Justus; parents, Rev. Marshall D. Parton and Cora Lewis Parton; brothers, Carl, Gene, Wayne, and Glen Parton; many other friends and family.
Left to mourn are children, Jack (Lorene) Boling; and children, Shawn and Scotty, Glenda (Jimmy) Whaley and children Casey, Mickey and Dana, Jo Ann (Steve) Finchum and children, Rob, Joey and Jeff Parton, Roger (Peggy) Boling, Bonnie (Tim) Loan and daughter Heather Cole, Darrell (Teresa) Boling and children Erich, Daniel and Melissa Branton, Darlene (Ralph) Stinnett and children, Ashlie Sheriff and Jonathan daughter of Shirley Sanders Amy Mae Thomason. Also 19 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, sisters, Edith Boling and Helen Dotson and brothers, Buford and Rev. Leroy Parton; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Monday, May 15, 2023, with service to follow at 6 p.m. in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. Family and friends will leave in procession from Atchley Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023, for 11 a.m. graveside service and interment at Caton’s Chapel Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com.
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