Thora Carroll Schirtz

Thora Carroll Schirtz, age 83, of Maryville, Tennessee, passed from this life on November 3, 2025, to be with her Savior, God, and heavenly family. While we mourn her earthly passing, we also celebrate her ascension to her forever home in Heaven.

Thora was born on April 20, 1942, at home in Crystal River, Florida, and was raised in Safety Harbor, Florida. It was there she met and married the love of her life, Tom, in 1958. A devoted wife at sixteen and a mother by seventeen, Thora lovingly raised three children and shared nearly 65 years of marriage before the Lord called Tom home in 2023.

Her life was one of determination and grace. She began her career as a waitress, then a seamstress, and proudly earned her GED at age 40—graduating at the top of her class. Thora retired as a bank teller in 1996. In 1997, she and Tom made their beloved Maryville, Tennessee, their permanent home after years of family vacations there. She later worked as a Customer Service Representative for the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority for 20 years—a job she often called her favorite.

Thora found peace and joy in her garden, calling her time there “therapy,” where she would talk to her Lord and sing her favorite songs. She was always ready for laughter and good company with family and friends. Her faith was steadfast—believing that all things are possible with the Lord—and her strength and optimism inspired everyone she met. Through numerous health challenges, she persevered with her favorite saying: “Hey, this too shall pass.” Though her body eventually said enough, her spirit remained unshaken.

Thora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom; her parents, Minnie and Daniel; her brother, Franklin; and her son, William Gary.

She is survived by her son Tom of New Orleans; daughter Terri (Tim) of Maryville; brother Lester of San Antonio, Texas; and sister Cora of Dunedin, Florida. Her legacy also lives on through her granddaughters Amanda of Maryville and Marilyn (Kevin) of Clarksville, Tennessee; great-grandsons Kreston of Maryville and Micha (USMC); and great-granddaughters Jaelyn, Kayla, Mariah, Kamilla, and Gabreilla. She also cherished several special nieces, nephews, and countless “bonus” children and grandchildren who brought her joy throughout her life.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Island Home Health and Rehab of Knoxville for their compassionate care, and to Smoky Mountain Hospice for their grace and service.

Receiving of friends and family will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service in Maryville from 5:00–7:00 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be private for family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Smoky Mountain Hospice, a local food bank, or Friends of the Smokies, in Thora’s memory. Flowers may also be ordered through Coulter Florist in Maryville.

Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.