Bettye Thornton, 90
January 24, 1935 – July 21, 2025
Bettye Sue Powell Thornton, 90, passed away at her home in New Albany, Mississippi on July 21, 2025 after a long illness. She was born January 24, 1935, in Charleston, Mississippi to the late Charles and Tressie Powell. She spent her childhood and young adulthood on a farm in Vardaman, Mississippi and was active in 4-H in high school, winning several state and national awards in public speaking. She attended Mississippi State College for Women (MSCW), majoring in home economics, before marrying the love of her life, James Lee Thornton in 1953.
She received her degree as a registered nurse from Northeast Community College in 1971 and spent the next 36 years working with her husband in his medical practice. Her greatest joy was loving and taking care of others, and she served as a healer, mentor, and steadying influence for her extended family and for all those with whom she came in contact. She was a member of the New Albany Presbyterian Church, and, when her daughters were young, was involved with the Girl Scouts as a troop leader and regional cookie chairman.
She is survived by her daughter, Tamsie West (Curtis) of New Albany, her grandchildren Crystal Roaton Johnson (Bubba), Jason West (Zoe), Dan West, Noah Brooks, Jana Brooks, Eric Henry (Whitney), Jami Henry, Mike Matthews, Josh Matthews, Justin Kidd (Nikki), and Amber Matthews, and numerous great-grandchildren. Of special note are the many “ fifth daughters” she mentored over the years, as well as her wonderful caregivers Pam Nichols, and especially Linda Nobles and Leigh Dunlap who cared for her lovingly and tirelessly through her final days.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband of 58 years, James L. Thornton, and her daughters Mary Gay Brooks (Tony), Lillian Henry (Paul), and Beth Matthews (Rick [deceased]).
Services will be on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11:00am at United Funeral Home in New Albany, MS with Brother William Everett officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 24, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 and on Friday from 9:00 until the start of the service. Burial will be in Vista Memorial Cemetery
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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