Gladys Stephens Thornton

Gladys Stephens Thornton, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Merit Health River Region Hospital.

Born on May 6, 1927, in Vicksburg to John and Mattie Hart Stephens, Mrs. Thornton spent her life deeply connected to her community. She attended Culkin Academy and Hinds Community College, later owning and operating the Magic Mirror Salon for 14 years. Afterward, she served as the secretary, bookkeeper, and assistant administrator at Shady Lawn Nursing Home for seven years, before retiring in 1992.

A dedicated member of Northside Baptist Church, Mrs. Thornton served in numerous roles, including Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, Women’s Missionary Union Leader, Choir Member, and Vacation Bible School Director. The Women’s Missionary Union held a special place in her heart, and she remained committed to its mission throughout her life.

Mrs. Thornton was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Harry Gilbert Thornton, her son Ronald Lee Thornton, her brother John William Stephens, and her sister Dorothy Stephens Cottle.

She is survived by her sisters Jacqueline Stephens Coutch (Fort Worth, TX), Lillian Stephens Reese (Amory, MS), Catherine Stephens Lawrence (Hartsell, AL), and Vern Stephens Price (Brandon, MS), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Among those who held a special place in her heart were her dearest friends and caregivers, Flora Allison and Lora Wilson, who offered love and care throughout her later years.

Mrs. Thornton's legacy will be cherished by all who knew her, as a beacon of faith, strength, and unwavering love for her family, her Church, and her Lord.

Services for Ms. Thornton will be Saturday, October 5 at 2:00. Visitation will be from 12 until the hour of service. Pallbearers will be Chris Scallions, Blake Scallions, Charles Houston, Ricky Pennington, John Johnston, and Ricky Jones. Honorary Pallbearers will be Thomas Warnock, Danny Jeanes, Joe Wooley, and Members of Northside Baptist Church Ladies Sunday School Class.

Rev. Ben Luckett, Pastor, Northside Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Northside Baptist Church, Gideons International, St Jude's Hospital, or American Cancer Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gladys Stephens Thornton, please visit our floral store.