Mrs. Nina Marie Thornton, 77, of Oak Hall, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
Nina was born on March 28, 1949, in Nassawadox, to the late Lewis Kelso and Ruth Powell. She was raised on Chincoteague Island and graduated from Chincoteague High School.
Nina was proud of her Native American heritage. She was of Cherokee ancestry and was a member of the Oneida Tribe from New York. Her heritage was an important part of the story of who she was and where she came from.
Faith was also a deeply important part of Nina’s life. She grew up in Union Baptist Church, where she later worked in the nursery and taught children’s Sunday School. She also walked on Emmaus #32, “In the Garden,” an experience that held special meaning for her. After moving to Oak Hall, Nina became a member of First Baptist Church in New Church, where she treasured the fellowship, friendship, and warmth of her church family.
Nina worked as a secretary at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, and it was there that she first saw the man who would become her husband, Larry Thornton. Their first date was a basketball game at Chincoteague High School, a simple beginning to the life and family they would build together.
Nina had a creative spirit. She loved crocheting and knitting and was a prolific writer of poetry. Through her poems and handmade creations, she left behind pieces of herself that her family can continue to hold on to and treasure.
Above all, Nina’s life was woven together by her faith, her family, her heritage, and the people she loved.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Thornton; her daughters, Candie O’Donnell and Sherry Sears; her sons, John Thornton and Thomas Thornton; her sister, Lois Trojack; and her brother, Bruce Kelso.
She was blessed with six grandchildren, Destinee, Joseph, Caydence, Skyler, Colleen, and Clara, as well as seven great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held on Monday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 31027 Depot St., New Church, VA 23415.
Arrangements were handled by Salyer Funeral Home in Chincoteague. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
Nina’s earthly journey has ended, but the faith she carried, the words she wrote, the things she created with her hands, and the love she gave to her family will remain.
She has gone home to be with Jesus.
