Jewel Natalie Mobley Maiden

Jewel Natalie Mobley Maiden, 91 of Kingsport, TN and Abingdon, VA went to be with the Lord and her beloved husband George Allen Maiden on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

She was born, the youngest of 6 children in Monroe, GA on January 5, 1923 to the late Albert Burton and Jeddie Graham Mobley. She lived most of her childhood in Atlanta, GA where she was baptized, attended Girl's High School and met the love of her life, George. They were married in 1941 in a double wedding with her sister, Nancy and groom Robert Bolin. Jewel and George had 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and enjoyed 59 happy years together until his death in 2000. Together they enjoyed golf, tennis, traveling, Braves baseball and playing games like Gin Rummy and Scrabble.

A child of the depression, Jewel learned from a young age to sew, making many of her own clothes. Over the years, her talent expanded to include painting, knitting, quilting, needlepoint, crochet, embroidery, writing and various other crafts and hobbies. Those who had the good fortune of knowing her have "pieces" of her on display throughout their homes.

Jewel spent most of her life in Atlanta GA, Kingsport TN and Abingdon VA where she actively served at East Lake Methodist Church, First Broad Street United Methodist Church, and Abingdon United Methodist Church teaching Sunday School for many years. In addition, she enjoyed volunteering as a tutor with Girl's Club, Inc., a leader with Girls Scouts of America and a lifetime member of Hospital Volunteers in Kingsport and Abingdon. She was a member of Wolf Hills Quilters, Abingdon Booklovers club, and several bridge clubs. Her faith and devotion to God inspired others to seek and know Him. She was faithful with little and therefore, He trusted her with much.

Affectionately known as "Mimi", she was a devoted wife, a southern lady and the most loving, caring and generous mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She could make anything, do anything and fix anything. She knew everything, gave everything and made everyone feel like they were everything to her. She will be remembered for her grace, creativity, and most of all her devotion to her friends and family, who rejoice in the blessing of her 91 vibrant years and her peaceful transition into eternity. She was shown much love and compassion by her friends at Asbury Place Baysmont, her caregiver Janie McCarty and the caring nursing staff at Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol.

She was predeceased by her parents, 5 siblings, and her beloved husband. She is survived by her daughters Beth Maiden Mahaffey (husband John) and Marjorie Maiden Dye (husband Don); grandson David Wilson Dean (wife Natalie); granddaughters Elizabeth Dean Ledford (husband Don), Alice Woods Sword (husband Steve), and Emily Woods Davis (husband Dan); 8 great-grandchildren: Will and Harrison Dean, Grace and Luke Ledford, Lucy and Annalee Sword, and Graham and Madeleine Davis. In addition, Jewel leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Abingdon United Methodist Church with the Reverend Jack Weikel and the Rev. Sherry E. Boles officiating. The family will receive friends after the service until 5:00 p.m. Saturday at the church. A committal service will be held prior to the memorial service where David W. Dean, Steven W. Sword, Daniel L. Davis, and Donald C. Ledford will serve as pallbearers. John D. Mahaffey and Donald K. Dye, Sr. will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Abingdon United Methodist Church, First Broad Street United Methodist Church and Emory and Henry College.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook.

The family of Jewel Mobley Maiden is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).