Lavelle Thornburg

Amory— Helen Lavelle Thornburg, 92, went home to her Lord on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Born in Tishomingo County, MS, on February 9, 1927, she was a daughter of James Calvin and Etta Roberts Kent.

Lavelle was a faithful member of East Amory Baptist Church, where she served as a church clerk for several years. She was a true believer of God and dearly loved her family. Her heart was dedicating to serving the Lord and sharing fellowship with her church family.

Lavelle was an excellent seamstress. She worked in the garment factory for many years. She was a homemaker and farmer with her husband, Ben, and enjoyed gardening and putting up vegetables from the harvest. She loved to cook and serve others. During WWII, she worked in Cleveland, OH, building planes and munitions as one of the “Rosie the Riveters.”

Lavelle always saw the good in others and was known for her generous heart. She loved her family and created a lifetime of special memories with them. She will be dearly missed.

Lavelle is survived by her daughters, Bennie Maxcy, Barbara Miller (Roger), Mary Helms (Jerry); grandchildren, Stephen Miller, Ginger Moore (Shannon), Frank Maxcy II (Natalie), Joey Helms (Sara), Brandi Kay (Kirk); great-grandchildren, Brittany Cummings (Casey), Felicia Barnett (Kaleb), Gabby Miller, Morgan and Allison Moore, Jeremiah, Kirklyn and Kristen Kay, Wilson Helms; and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Thornburg; infant daughter, Brenda; brother, C.D. Kent; sisters, Carrie Farris, Vernell Long, Nettie Roberts, Avoe Pounders, Dimple Paden; and son-in-law, Frank Maxcy Sr.

A funeral service will be held at 3:30 PM Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Kirk Kay officiating. Burial will follow at The Ridge Cemetery in Red Bay, AL.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:30 PM until the service hour.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Oak Tree Manor, Amory, for all their help, love, and care of Lavelle. Additionally, the family extends thanks to Legacy Hospice and Southern Care Hospice for their love and care.

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