Gail Thornburg

Duralee Gail Sharpton Thomason Thornburg, 76, former owner and operator of Santa Fe Diner, died Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at her residence in the Glendale Community surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Reverend Steve Swango and Reverend Mylen Coble officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Gail was born on September 5, 1948 in Lawrence County, TN to the late James Leo Sharpton and the late Dura Marie Jennings Childress. She enjoyed home remodeling projects, sewing, and especially singing and was really proud of winning the Central High School talent contest that provided her the opportunity to perform on a television show called Young Country. Gail attended Loyal Chapel Freewill Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband of 22 years James Franklin “Jim” Thornburg, Jr. of Glendale; daughter Becky (Kevin) Kizer of Culleoka; three granddaughters Kristen Marie (Paul) Earnest, Kelly Michelle (Cody) Odom, and Kayla Nicole Kizer; three great grandchildren James Robert Earnest, Kevin Avery Earnest, and Owen Ray Odom; brother Jerry Wayne (Diane) Sharpton; sister Lori Ann (Troy) Hughes; two step sons Don Thornburg and Adam Thornburg; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband David Ray Thomason on May 16, 2001 and her brother James Glenn Sharpton.

Pallbearers will be Scott Phaneuf, Don Thornburg, Adam Thornburg, Troy Hughes, Tyler Hughes and Kyle Flowers.