Birth Date: 05/07/1934
Deceased Date: 03/17/2021
Ms. Edna J. Thornton age 86, of Newton Grove passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at her residence with her loving family by her side. Her funeral service will be held Saturday, March 20th at 2 p.m. in the chapel of West & Dunn Funeral Home, Newton Grove. Officiating will be Rev. Ronnie Jones and speaker James Bullard. She will be laid to rest in Unity Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Newton Grove. The family will receive family and friends at the funeral home 1 hour prior to the 2 p.m. service.
Mrs. Edna was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, aunt and friend to many. Probably no better earthly title embodies Mrs. Edna better than “Nanny”. She loved life and being the part of all of those titles listed. She loved to serve and assist others and she loved to shop. She was a Homemaker and Comforter to those in need.
Mrs. Thornton worked by her husband Roy’s side farming for many years before moving into public work where she worked as an inspector with Block Industries in Benson. Around 1977 she found her calling working in childcare with her daughter Donna. Mrs. Edna helped raise hundreds of children over her 40 years operating Kiddie Korner daycare.
Left to cherish her memories are her children; Donna T. Bryan of Newton Grove, Patty L. Bullard and husband James of Stedman and Mack Thornton of Four Oaks, daughter-in-law and long time shopping buddy; Tammy M. Thornton, eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Her brothers; Sherrill Jones of Newton Grove, Robert Jones of Clinton and Ronnie Jones of Benson, her sister; Jennifer Lee of Benson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Johnny R. and Ethel J. Jones, husband; Roy Thornton, sons; Darryal Thornton and Terry Thornton, sister; Betty Jackson and her brother; Gary W. Jones.
We ask in order to stay in compliance with the North Carolina State COVID Law that social distancing measures be taken and a mask worn at all times during all services.
Online condolences may be made at www.westanddunn.
Services have been entrusted to West & Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove, North Carolina.
