Search by Name

Search by Name

Bettye Thornton

1935 - 2025

BORN

1935

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

United Funeral Service, Inc.

700 State Highway 15 S

New Albany, Mississippi

UPCOMING SERVICE

Visitation

Jul. 24, 2025

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

United Funeral Service, Inc.

Send Flowers

Bettye Thornton Obituary

Bettye Sue Powell Thornton, 90, passed away at her home in New Albany, Mississippi on July 21, 2025 after a long illness. She was born January 24, 1935, in Charleston, Mississippi to the late Charles and Tressie Powell. She spent her childhood and young adulthood on a farm in Vardaman, Mississippi and was active in 4-H in high school, winning several state and national awards in public speaking. She attended Mississippi State College for Women (MSCW), majoring in home economics, before marrying the love of her life, James Lee Thornton in 1953.

She received her degree as a registered nurse from Northeast Community College in 1971 and spent the next 36 years working with her husband in his medical practice. Her greatest joy was loving and taking care of others, and she served as a healer, mentor, and steadying influence for her extended family and for all those with whom she came in contact. She was a member of the New Albany Presbyterian Church, and, when her daughters were young, was involved with the Girl Scouts as a troop leader and regional cookie chairman.

She is survived by her daughter, Tamsie West (Curtis) of New Albany, her grandchildren Crystal Roaton Johnson (Bubba), Jason West (Zoe), Dan West, Noah Brooks, Jana Brooks, Eric Henry (Whitney), Jami Henry, Mike Matthews, Josh Matthews, Justin Kidd (Nikki), and Amber Matthews, and numerous great-grandchildren. Of special note are the many " fifth daughters" she mentored over the years, as well as her wonderful caregivers Pam Nichols, and especially Linda Nobles and Leigh Dunlap who cared for her lovingly and tirelessly through her final days.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband of 58 years, James L. Thornton, and her daughters Mary Gay Brooks (Tony), Lillian Henry (Paul), and Beth Matthews (Rick [deceased]).

Services will be on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11:00am at United Funeral Home in New Albany, MS with Brother William Everett officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 24, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 and on Friday from 9:00 until the start of the service. Burial will be in Vista Memorial Cemetery

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Journal from Jul. 22 to Jul. 23, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Bettye Thornton

Jul

24

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

United Funeral Service, Inc.

700 State Highway 15 S, New Albany 38652

Jul

25

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

United Funeral Service, Inc.

700 State Highway 15 S, New Albany 38652

Jul

25

Service

11:00 a.m.

United Funeral Service, Inc.

700 State Highway 15 S, New Albany 38652

Funeral services provided by:

United Funeral Service, Inc.

700 State Highway 15 S, New Albany, MS 38652

Memories and Condolences
for Bettye Thornton

Sponsored by United Funeral Service, Inc..

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Bettye Thornton's name

How to support Bettye's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bettye Thornton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more