Joanne B. Thornton

Mrs. Joanne B. Thornton, age 81 of Bartlett, Tennessee, departed this life Sunday, November 23, 2014 at her home.

Mrs. Thornton was born in Augusta, Arkansas December 7, 1932 to the late Nathan and Effie O'Brian Arthur. On May 27, 1951, she was united in marriage to Mr. Wayne L. Thornton, Sr., who preceded her in death February 23, 1991. She retired from the United States Government Civil Service, her last place of employment being at the U.S. Naval Base in Millington. She also, with her husband, had a farm in Hardeman County for 25 years. She was Baptist in faith and was, most recently, a member of the Bartlett Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughters, Teresa Talley and husband Bobbie of Bartlett, and Linda Thornton of Memphis; sons, Wayne L. Thornton, Jr. and wife Vicki of Nashville, and Gary Thornton of Bartlett; brothers, Nathan Arthur and wife Charlene of Ward, Arkansas, and Robert Arthur and wife Cynthia of Monroe, Louisiana; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Thornton.

Donations made in memory of Mrs. Thornton may be sent to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate).