Carolyn Janeice Thurston

Carolyn Janeice Thurston, 93, of Shelbyville, Indiana, passed away at Timbercreek Village on November 9, 2023, her 3 children at her bedside.  She was born on April 18, 1930, to the late, Everett and Nina Ross.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Garnet Thurston, (1926-1996), of Shelbyville.  She and Garnet were married 48 years.

Carolyn was a loving, caring and devoted mother and grandmother.  She was a faithful follower of Christ and worshiped for many years at First Church of God of Rushville, and later was an active member of Town and Country Christian Church in Shelbyville.  Carolyn was a kind, thoughtful woman who was loved by many.  She enjoyed nature, traveling with her daughters, walking, reading, and being with her family.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her 9 siblings, Howard Miller, Harold Miller, Mary Miller Mattingly, Nickie Ross Sims, Naomi Ross Collins,  Eugene Ross, Vernon Ross, Ruth Ross McVey, and Lois Ross Collins. 

Carolyn is survived by her children, Linda Collings, (Norman) of Shelbyville, Carol Kessler, (Ronnie) of Shelbyville, and Jim Thurston, (Donna) of Holden Beach, North Carolina. 

She is survived by 7 grandchildren, Steve Collings, Paul Kessler, Paula Kessler, Andrea Riley, Tony Baney, Rebekah Thurston and Tyler Thurston.  Carolyn has 5 great-grandchildren, Nicole Collings, Hannah Collings, Bethany Welling, Parker Smith and Camille Smith.

Carolyn will be remembered by her legacy of love and compassion and will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, Monday, November 13, 2023, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Funeral services will follow at 1 pm, Monday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Ian Farnsley officiating.

Burial will be at Manilla Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Town and Country Christian Church, 2133 Tucker Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Carolyn’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.