Virginia Siniard Thornton passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29. Virginia was born February 15, 1930 in Rogersville, Alabama to William Arthur Siniard and Susie Stanford Siniard.Virginia graduated from Lauderdale County High School in 1947 and moved to Decatur where she worked as a telephone operator for Southern Bell. She met Pat Thornton shortly thereafter and they were married on September 16, 1949, a marriage that would last until his death, 69 years later.
She is survived by her daughter Vicki Thornton Dukes, Decatur, (Ronnie) and her son, John, Courtland, (Larkin Martin), plus grandchildren, Matthew Thornton Dukes, Huntsville, (Leah); Meg Dukes Tanner, Decatur, (Weston); Emily Thornton West, Mentone, (Jack); Henry Sykes Thornton, Huntsville; Virginia Walker Thornton, Lander, Wyoming, and William Stuart Thornton, Courtland, plus 4 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Jeanette Siniard Higginbotham, Athens.
She was preceded in death by her parents William and Susie Siniard, her husband, Melvin E. (Pat) Thornton and four brothers and 2 sisters.
Virginia would want to be remembered as a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother (known both as Granddmommy and Grandburger) and great grandmother. She was a long-time (50 years+) member of Westminster Presbyterian church, a member of the Agape Bible Study group for 25 years and a proud volunteer for Decatur General Hospital for 30+ years.
A graveside service officiated By Rev. Chase Ackerman will be conducted at Decatur City Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Friday July 31.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Decatur General Foundation or St. Jude’s, Memphis would be appreciated. A special thanks for the loving care provided by Hospice of the Valley and NHC Healthcare, Moulton.
