Patricia 'Pat' Johnson Thornton

Amory – Patricia “Pat” Johnson Thornton, 73, died on Thursday, September 11, 2014, at River Place Nursing Center. Born on November 8, 1940, in Smithville, she was a daughter of the late Gilbert Mayes and Sue Cowley Johnson.

Pat was a graduate of Smithville High School and the University of Mississippi Medical Center-Jackson. On June 3, 1962, she married Sherman Thornton. Retiring as a Registered Nurse from Gilmore Memorial RMC in 2006 after 54 years of service, she worked in Labor and Delivery and had served as the Assistant Director and the Director of Nursing. Growing up in Pearce Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Pat was a member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist where she sang in the choir, was a former Sunday school teacher, and had served on several committees. A caring, compassionate, loving mother and a devoted wife, she was dedicated to her children and enjoyed attending family functions. Pat was passionate about Amory Food Pantry, Gilmore fundraisers and NICU celebrations. She was a Pilot Club member and a former member of the Jaycettes. A nurse until the day she died, she enjoyed reading, sewing, watching American Pickers, the Gaithers and Southern Gospel music.

Survivors include her daughter, Susan T. Hathcote (Louis), Amory; sons, Tommy Thornton and Michael Thornton (Linda), Amory; grandchildren, Olivia T. Blasingame (Alex), Shelby, Claire and Katelyn Thornton; step-grandchildren, John Hathcote (Heather), Smithville, Jamie Houston (Chad) and Mary Bishop (Chad), Amory; great-grandchildren, Eli, Will and Lillie Hathcote; Andrew and Brady Houston; Jolie and Graham Bishop; brothers, Bill Johnson (Bettie), Valrico, FL, Dwight Johnson (Hilda), Amory, and Paul Johnson (Judy), Hollandale, MS; a host of nieces and nephews; and her church family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband on May 26, 2011.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, September 13 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Rev. Brian Gordon officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark and Warren Johnson; John Hathcote; Chad Houston; Steve Palmer; and Alex Blasingame. Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny Loden, Bill Griffith and Danny Carl Burks.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, PO Box 535, Amory, MS 38821 or to Peace Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, 60174 Pearce Chapel Rd, Smithville, MS 38870.

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