Betty J. Thornton

Betty J. Thornton, 88, of Anna, died at 4:17 a.m. Sunday, June 25, 2017, at her home.

She was born on Feb. 15, 1929, in Anna, the daughter of James Hosea and Clara Anderson McDonald.

She married Charles A. Thornton on Dec. 30, 1945, in Piggott, Ark. Together they shared 58 1/2 years together. He preceded her in death on May 3, 2004.

She is survived by her daughters, Judy (Wayne) Brown of Dongola and Sue Treece of Anna; a son, James (Sheila) Thornton of Lick Creek; grandchildren Becky (Chris) Ritter of Geneseo, Jeff (Kim) Brown of Dongola and Eric Thornton of Anna; great-grandchildren Hannah, Isaac, Sarah and Sam Ritter, and Jacob, Steven and Micah Brown; a sister-in-law, Mildred McDonald of Alton; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles A. Thornton; five brothers, Bert, Victor, Jack, Bill and Donald McDonald; three sisters, Frances Sponza, Dorothy Rosson and Peggy Odle.

She dearly loved children and all her family. In her past time she enjoyed quilting and fishing. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church for many years.

Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Thornton were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, at the Anna City Cemetery, with the Rev. Mike Miller officiating. Interment was in the Anna City Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Carmi Baptist Children’s Home or to the New Hope Baptist Church.

To leave online condolences, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangements.