Mrs. Mary Lou Thornton, 81, wife of John Thornton and a resident of Melfa, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at her residence. A native of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, she was the daughter of the late James Jessie Johnson and the late Mary Ann Beach Thorockmorton.
She was a homemaker and an active member of Melfa United Methodist Church. She loved decorating the home and yard and spending time with her family.
In addition to her loving husband of 48 years, she is survived by four children, Sandy Bowen (Arron), John Thornton Jr. (Diana), Annette Dunn (Phillip), and Cathy Jo Lilliston (Calvin); a brother, Donald Johnson (Jean); a sister, Barbara Craig (Ed); 22 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by two daughters, Teresa Parker and Darlene Thornton; and a son, Bartine “Bill” Bowen III.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m., at Doughty Funeral Home with the Rev. Barbara Parker officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Family will join friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
