Obituary of Thelma Lunsford

Thelma Jean Lunsford, 86, of Union, died Sunday, December 29, 2013 at St. Elizabeth Hospital Florence. She was born to the late Winston and Addie Hogan, Sept. 28, 1927, in Saint Helens, KY. Jean graduated from Lee County High School in 1945 and studied at Northern Kentucky University during the 1970s. She married the late Joseph Garvey in 1947 and the late Amos Lunsford in 1983. She resided in Northern Kentucky all of her adult life. Jean was one of the pioneers of country music television in Cincinnati and was known as Jeannie Hogan. She began singing in the early 50s, first on a daily morning music show at WCPO and later on WLW's Midwestern Hayride. When the Hayride went network, she was singing with celebrities Bonnie Lou and Kenny Price. Jean also did concerts with such country stars as Johnny Cash, Skeeter Davis, and Marty Robbins. Jean was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Eastern Star. She loved spending winters in Florida. Jean is survived by two sons: Michael M. Garvey (Barbara) of Hanover, IN and Matthew J. Garvey (Diana) of Ocilla, GA and a step son, W. Bruce Lunsford of Louisville; she is survived by five grandchildren and three step grandchildren and four great grandchildren and six step great grandchildren. Jean is also survived by one sister, Addie "Tat" Trapp of Walton. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to a charity of the donor's choice. Contributions can be made through the Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home: 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051. A private graveside service will be held in early January.