Elizabeth Jennifer Thornton

1928 - 2021

Elizabeth Jennifer Thornton, 93, passed away on November 1, 2021, at her home in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX. She was born on June 2, 1928, in Enfield Middlesex, England, to the late Marjorie Stone and Osbert Basil Fowler.

Jennifer worked as an EEG Technician for London Hospital. She traveled to the United States through an exchange program with the University of North Carolina, where she matched wits with her future husband, William E. Thornton, debating the correct procedure to repair equipment. Taken by her sharp intellect, exotic accent and healthy appetite which matched his (undoubtedly due to the scarcity she personally experienced during WWII), they were married on June 14, 1958.

Jennifer devoted her life to raising her two sons and tirelessly supporting her husband. Through his career at NASA and UTMB and into their retirement, she remained a dedicated contributor to his many scientific endeavors as transcriber, editor and sounding board.

She obtained a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Houston at Clear Lake in 1980. A voracious reader and historian, Jennifer researched the Fowler, Stone and Thornton genealogy, providing detailed records for future generations. She was a talented photographer, exceptional baker and wonderful cook. Nonnie's stuffing recipe will grace her family's table this Thanksgiving and for years to come.

A horsewoman from an early age, Jennifer helped her mother operate a saddlery business at The Acre, the family home in Newgate Street. She pursued her passion for horses as a founding member of the Houston Dressage Society, where she competed in dressage events and served as a Technical Delegate. She owned several horses including her favorite, Dominy, that lived to the impressive age of 35.

Jennifer often shared memories of her time living outside London during WWII, including being aboard a train as a young girl when the approaching station was hit by a V2 missile. She is remembered for her insightfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness and humor. A true Englishwoman and scholar, she was known to gently correct her family's occasional incorrect grammar.

Jennifer and William lived in Friendswood, TX until 2000, when they moved to Fair Oaks Ranch. They relocated to Dallas in 2018 but returned to Fair Oaks Ranch in December 2020. Jennifer was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William E. Thornton, MD, who passed away on January 11, 2021. She is survived by her son, William Simon Thornton and wife Mary Kay Thornton of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX; son, James Fallon Thornton, MD and wife Katina Thornton, MD of Dallas, TX; and nine grandchildren: Nicholas Thornton, Alexandra Valentine (Shawn), Michael Thornton, Sarah Thornton, Ava Thornton, Elizabeth Thornton, Alexandra Thornton, Victoria Thornton and Emily Thornton.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Christus Hospice, especially Kathleen, and home health aides Linda and Myra, for their loving, gentle care of Jennifer.

A memorial service and internment of her ashes beside her loving husband in Faison, NC will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hill Country Horse Rescue at 682 Krause Rd, Pipe Creek, TX 78063. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com. Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.