Lee “Atkins” Thornton, 92, of Athens, passed away on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at her residence. Mrs. Thornton was born on July 6th, 1933, in Somerville, Alabama, to Odie and Emma (Williams) Atkins.
Mrs. Thornton is survived by her sons, Denny Thornton (Phyllis), Mike Thornton (Connie), and Philip Thornton (Kim); daughter, Becky Owens; sisters, Patsy Carter (Jackie) and Sue Breeding (Raymond); grandchildren, Melanie Shackleford (Jeremiah), Taylor Thomas, Lance Thornton (Kara), Lauren Hall, Caitlin Thornton, Jordan Thornton, Dave Owens (Terrie), Brandee Black, and Jacob Shackleford (Bree); great-grandchildren, Casey Lee Shackleford, Tyler Shackleford, Blaire Hall, Cannon Hall, Willow Thornton, Mae Thomas, Hampton Braswell, Caden Charneco, Corey Charneco, Averi Owens, Dawson Owens, and Brantley Shackleford; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Eugene Thornton; parents, Odie and Emma Atkins; brothers, Hollan Atkins, Ralph Atkins, Johnny Atkins, and Bobby Carl Atkins; sister Margie Whitt; and son-in-law, David Owens.
Funeral services for Mrs. Thornton will be Sunday, February 8th, 2026, at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home, at 2:00 p.m., with Larry Trotter officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, from 12:00 to 1:45 p.m., at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Melanie Shackleford, Taylor Thomas, Lance Thornton, Lauren Hall, Caitlin Thornton, Jordan Thornton, and Brandee Black. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Thornton was a life-long (founding) member of Athens Church of God. She was loved by so many. Her family was the priority of her life. She not only loved her children, but had and showed so much love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well.
The family would also like to thank Hospice of North Alabama, especially Lori Springer, Danielle Bryant, and Rene Haley.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Hospice of North Alabama, and Manna Meals in care of Athens First Methodist Church.
