Funeral services for Mary Ellen Thursby, 82, of Donalsonville, will be held on Thursday, July 23, at 10 a.m. at Reynolds Chapel United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Johnny Shepard, Wendell Hollingsworth and Donna Sue Roberts officiating.

Interment will follow in the cemetery of Spring Creek Baptist Church in Donalsonville, with Ricky Thursby, Buddy Johnson, DeWayne Conyers, William Conyers, Dick Lay and Gene Burke serving as active pallbearers.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the chapel of Evans-Skipper Funeral Home.

Born in Donalsonville on May 26, 1927, Mrs. Thursby died on Sunday, July 19, 2009, at her residence.

Mrs. Thursby was a homemaker and attended Reynolds Chapel United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph J. Thursby Sr.; a brother, Ed June Burke; and a sister, Clara Johnson.

Survivors include two daughters, Sara Stoetzel of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Rebecca Thursby Sander of Donalsonville; two sons, Joseph J. Thursby Jr. of Donalsonville and Robert Thursby of Cairo, Ga., ; two sisters, Ada Conyers of Donalsonville, Ga., and Rosa Lee Donalson of Bainbridge; three sisters-in-law, six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evans-Skipper Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.