Betty (Burrough) Thornhill

Betty Juanita Burrough Thornhill, 84, of Maumelle, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock with her family by her side. She was born on October 6, 1941, in Warren, Arkansas, to William Thomas Burrough and Murphy Stewart Burrough. She grew up in Pine Bluff, where she spent her childhood and early school years.

Betty graduated from Pine Bluff High School. During her high school years, she worked at the Pine Bluff Public Library, where she discovered her lifelong love of reading. She was also a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff.

She later married Frank LeNoir “Buddy” Thornhill Jr. In the early years of their marriage and motherhood, she spent several years as a stay-at-home mom before returning to work. Betty went on to build a long and respected career as a secretary in the DMMD Department at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, where she worked until her retirement in 2003.

Following Buddy’s passing in 2016, Betty moved to Maumelle to live with her daughter and family. One of her greatest joys during her retirement years was caring for her grandchildren, Hunter and Chloe, whom she adored.

Betty enjoyed painting, reading, and spending time outdoors. Her family holds many fond memories of the camping and float trips they shared when she was younger.

She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Duke; son-in-law, Dietrich Duke; and grandchildren, Hunter Duke and Chloe Duke, all of Maumelle. She is also survived by her nieces Lisa Sievers, Tricia Sievers Harris, Hope Newton Cain, and Carrie Newton Johnson; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews. Her extended family includes her cousins, Janna Kuhn and family, and Daneta Stewart and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Thomas Burrough and Murphy Stewart Burrough, and by her husband, Frank LeNoir “Buddy” Thornhill Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Autism Speaks.

Because Betty passed during the holiday season and winter months, a memorial service will be held in the spring, when family and friends can gather comfortably to honor her life.Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section. 

www.arkansascremation.com