Following an extended illness, John Thornell, 76, died peacefully at his Florence home on January 12, 2024. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, John was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Grover Thornell of Cleveland, Mississippi and his brothers, Warren and Lester.
John is survived by his wife, Nita Bishop Thornell; their daughter, Abby Holmes (Todd); and their grandchildren, John Clark and Elle.
A career educator, John began as a math teacher in the Mississippi Delta, received a PhD from the University of Texas, and served in a series of post-secondary teaching and administrative positions. With these roles, John expressed avid interest in the educational systems of Russia, China, and Japan, and traveled in support of, and published, his research. He was appointed interim president of Delta State University in 2003 and was inducted into the Delta State University Hall of Fame. John served as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of North Alabama from 2009-2017. He concluded his tenure as Provost at the University in 2018 after a more than 40-year career in higher education. In addition, he served
as Interim President at UNA in 2014-2015.
John was a communicant at Trinity Episcopal Church and was active in community events. He leaves many close friends in North Alabama and the Mississippi Delta.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with The Reverend Callie Plunket-Brewton officiating. A reception in the Parish Hall will follow.
