Thelma Irene McDavid

Thelma Irene (Pierson) McDavid, affectionately known as “Mimi,” age 101, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Born and raised in Gate City, Virginia, Thelma lived a life rooted in faith, family, and love. She was a longtime and faithful member of First Baptist Church of Gate City, where her devotion to the Lord remained a constant throughout her life. Thelma was married to her beloved husband, Fred McDavid, for 72 years before his passing in 2013. She began her career at Nickels Department Store in Gate City and later worked at several ladies’ shops before retiring from Parks-Belk. Mimi was a wonderful cook and baker, especially known for her desserts. She loved to travel and cherished time with her family and friends. She was generous, caring, and deeply devoted to those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred McDavid; her children, Linda Steele and Greg McDavid; her parents, Julia Pierson and Garvie Pierson; and her sisters, Dorothy Pierson and Bonnie Spears. She is survived by her grandchildren, Lori Joyce and husband Todd, Brad Steele, and Brooke Steele, great-grandchildren; Tyler Joyce and wife Lindsay, Braylin Lowe and husband Parker, and Brycen Steele; great-great-grandchildren, Nolan Joyce, Maddux Joyce, Parker Joyce, and Kamryn Lowe; and her sister, Debbie Fawbush.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Gate City. A memorial service will follow with Pastor Luke Tolley and Pastor Jeff Deboard officiating. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Telisa Nelms, whose loving care and devotion to Mimi made her much more than a caregiver—she became family. The family also remembers Ruby Rogers, a special friend who lovingly spent time with Mimi and brought cherished companionship to her life. A Scripture Mimi cherished was: “Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” — Luke 6:37 Her life of faith and love leaves a lasting legacy for the generations who follow. As Joel 1:3 reminds us: “Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.” Mimi’s 101 years were a blessing, and her faith, love, and memory will continue through each generation of her family.