Denna Thornton

Amory — Edthye Denna Thornton, 69, left her earthly course on December 9, 2019, surrounded by her family at her residence in Amory. Born in Nettleton, MS on February 7, 1950 she was a daughter of C.B. and Jennie Monaghan Bickerstaff.

Denna was a faithful member of Bigbee Baptist Church. Her greatest loves were her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her family and caring for them. Denna loved visiting the Smokey Mountains and breathing in the fresh mountain air while her family surrounded her. In her free time, she enjoyed watching westerns and QVC and going to auctions. Denna was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Denna is survived by sons, Keith Allen Gray (Melody), Kevin Lee Gray (Donna), both of Becker; grandchildren, Gunnar Gray (Shannon), Bigbee, Garrett Gray (Clara), Carolina Community, Gracie-Kathryn Gray, Gannon Gray, Jennings Gray, Saige Gray, all of Becker; great-grandchildren, Swayze Ruth Gray, Ryder Sargent Gray, John Pence Gray; sisters, Chyrell Umfress (Gary), Amory, Kay Whitlock, Stone Mountain, GA; sister-in-law, Julia Bickerstaff, Nettleton; brother, Joe Bickerstaff (Linda), Becker; a host of beloved nieces and nephews; and special friend, Sonya Gray.

In addition to her parents, Denna was preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Joe Gray; second husband, Doug Thornton; son, Curtis Joe Gray; sisters, Ann Smith, Carolyn Cox, Judy Boone, Patricia Bickerstaff; and brothers, C.B. Bickerstaff and Charles Bickerstaff.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Rodney Waycaster and Bro. Justin Haynes officiating. Burial will follow in Greenbrier Cemetery in Becker. Pallbearers will be Gunnar Gray, Garrett Gray, Gannon Gray, and Jennings Gray. Her nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers.


Visitation for Denna will be Wednesday night, December 11, 2019 from 6-8PM at the funeral home in Amory.


Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com