Kelly Jean Thornburg

1961 - 2018

Kelly Jean Thornburg

Born: September 20, 1961

Died: September 26, 2018

Kelly Jean Thornburg, 57, of DeKalb, IL, passed away at 2:59 a.m. on Sept. 26, 2018 at Central DuPage Hospital surrounded by loved ones.

Born on Sept. 20, 1961 in Chicago Heights, IL, Kelly graduated from Bloom Trail High School in 1979. She studied at Prairie State College, Kishwaukee College, Northern Illinois University and earned the degrees of A.A., B.F.A., and M.F.A. Her studies included Jewelry and Metalsmithing, Sculpture, Photography, and Multimedia Arts. Kelly distinguished herself with awards and recognition for her artwork. She was passionate about teaching her skills to others. In later years Kelly earned the certification of Master Gardener. Her gardens reflected the beauty of her soul and were enjoyed by many.

In the 1990s Kelly and Sonya Wiley opened the business Art & Soul in downtown DeKalb which featured many of Kelly's works of art. Later Kelly and Anna Marie Grutter operated their own photography business called Eye of Newt. On her own Kelly operated Macromorphic Images. Through her creative lens she captured the beauty of nature and transposed it into intricate designs unapparent to the naked eye. While continuing her artistic endeavors, she taught classes and was a sought-after framework artist at Michael's of DeKalb.

Kelly was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb where she had served as a Worship Associate. A very spiritual person, Kelly had been a member of several houses of worship over the years including Polo Methodist Church, Malta Methodist Church, and United Campus Ministries.

In her family, Kelly was a loving big sister and protector to Tracy with whom she shared a love of many musical genres. Their brother Michael also share their passion for music and this love would be passed down to Kelly's daughter.

Kelly was married for 16 years to Sonya beginning on Oct. 29, 1983. They were blessed when Kelly gave birth to their precious daughter Erin on Oct. 8, 1995. Erin's father, David Hawkins was part of this joyous occasion.

Later Kelly lived in the Polo, IL countryside with Linda Colcord where they cared for Erin, gardened, and raised livestock. Linda and her daughter took joy in seeing Erin grow up with Linda's neighboring grandchildren, Tristan, Caleb, Wyatt, and Mazy.

In recent years Kelly's long-term friendship with Cory Parham blossomed into a loving partnership. Although they were no longer together at the time of her death, they remained very good friends who saw each other frequently.

Kelly was preceded in death by parents, Patricia Wever and Wayne Lore-Thornburg; and grandparents, Ceceilia and Paul Wever and Geraldine Thornburg and Frank Lore.

She is survived by a daughter, Erin Thornburg; sister, Tracy Thornburg Wright; brother, Michael Thornburg; aunts and uncles, Micki and Ronald Becker, Russell and Carla Wever, Lynn and Ricky McDowell, Kathleen and Brian Moss, Glenn and Judy Williams, Paulette and Westley West, Frankie Lore, Paul and Sandra Lore; former partners and friends, Sonya Wiley, Linda Colcord, and Cory Parham; and many cherished cousins, friends and neighbors.

Per her wishes Kelly was cremated. A memorial celebration service followed by a reception will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb located at 158 N. 4th Street DeKalb IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to defray final expenses. Checks may be made payable to Erin Thornburg.