Kay “Casey” Thornton, 69

August 6, 1954 – December 1, 2023

On Friday, December 1, 2023, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Kay “Casey” Thornton, 69, resident of Olive Branch, departed this life at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis.

Funeral Services honoring the Christian life of Mrs. Thornton will be at 11 AM Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Whitten Baptist Church, 6773 Macon Rd, Memphis, TN with visitation from 10 AM to 11AM. A Graveside Service will follow at 2 PM in the Canaan Cemetery near Ashland, MS.

Mrs. Thornton was born August 6, 1954, in Water Valley, MS, the daughter of the late Amos Schwinn and Mary Taylor Pearson. She was a graduate of Drew High School and was a valued manager of the Seabrook Wallcovering Company for over 30 years before retiring. On her 18th birthday, August 6, 1972, she married her beloved husband, Gerald L. Thornton, who preceded her in death on January 24, 2022.

A devout Christian and member of Whitten Baptist Church, Mrs. Thornton’s love of God, deep faith, unselfish nature and giving heart were a true testament to those who knew and loved her. She lived her life as an example to others, loving the Lord and loving others as her own. She truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures: traveling, roses, Dogwood trees, watching birds and music. Mrs. Thornton was graceful and charming in everything she did. She was a true Southern Lady who will be missed by her loving family, her church family and her many friends.

Loving memories will continue to be shared by her daughter, Melanie Franklin (John) of Olive Branch, one sister, Shirley Sanders, two brothers, Chuck Schwinn (Dorothy) and Grady Pearson (Angie), one granddaughter, Katie Franklin, two honorary daughters, Ashley and Amber Noel, honorary granddaughter, Morgan McCown and a host of nieces and nephews.

“Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

The Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories.

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