Colleen Joy Thurman

Colleen Joy Thurman  85, of Livermore, Kentucky passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Riverside Manor Health Care Center in Calhoun.  Colleen Joy Atherton was born September 10, 1929 in Livermore, Kentucky to the late General Truman and Londa Omega Whitehouse Atherton and was married to Harold Wayne Thurman on December 17, 1951.  Joy graduated from Livermore High School in 1947 and the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in English in 1951.  She briefly taught school before working at Texas Gas for several years.  Joy spent most of her adult life caring for family members, which she did with great patience, an unfailing sense of humor, and immeasurable compassion.  She attended Buck Creek Baptist Church and fully enjoyed her membership in the Nuckols Homemakers’ Club.  For her family and many friends, Joy was always ready with a helping hand, a home-cooked meal, a competitive game of Rook, and a bit of colorful wisdom.  She lived up to her name in her interactions.  Joy was a treasure to her friends, a devoted mother, and a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. 

          The care Joy showed others throughout her life was returned to her during her later years as she battled Alzheimer’s disease.  Her family is especially grateful for her in-home caregivers and the staff at Riverside Manor, who treated Joy with love and kindness during this time.  In addition to her parents, Joy was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Harold Thurman, who died March 10, 1986.

          Survivors include her son, Kelly Thurman and wife, Sharon of Livermore; two granddaughters, Beth Silvers and husband, Chad of Union, Kentucky and Kimberly Thurman of Livermore; two great granddaughters, Jane and Ellen Silvers; a brother, Beverly Atherton of Owensboro; several nieces, nephews, and extended family members; and her special care takers, Brad and Jessica Campbell. 

          Funeral services celebrating Joy’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday at Muster Funeral Homes, Livermore Chapel with the Rev. Tommy Webb officiating.  Burial will be in the Calhoun Cemetery in McLean County.  Friends may visit with Joy’s family from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Thursday and from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Friday at Musters in Livermore.

          The Colleen Joy Thurman family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Buck Creek Baptist Church; 3788 Highway 431 North; Calhoun, Kentucky  42327.  Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at Musters in Livermore.

          Share your memories and photos of Joy at musterfuneralhomes.com.

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