Earline Thornton Pace

Earline Thornton Pace

Earline Thornton Pace, 84, of Sandy Hook, Va., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Born on April 20, 1941, in Goochland, Va., she was the daughter of Lucy Elizabeth Thornton-Scott and Roy Edward Brice.

Earline was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. William Edward "Boogie" Pace Sr. The pair married in 1959, and Earline lovingly remained by his side until his passing in 2021. The Lord blessed them with 62 beautiful years of marriage.

She is survived by her two children, son, William "Weasel" Edward Pace Jr. (Crystal) of Chester, Va.; daughter, Janice Raneá Pace of Henrico, Va.; two grandchildren, grandson, William Christopher Pace (Hanna-Grace) and granddaughter, Janelle Andreá Pace, both of the Washington, D.C., metro area.

Earline's passionate heart, adventurous love of travel, boldness, and compassionate spirit commanded every room she entered. She brought warmth, joy, humor, and authenticity wherever she went. A devoted woman of God, trustee board member, chairwoman of the Missionary Ministry, and lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church, she faithfully served her congregation and community. She was also a dedicated founding member of the Goochland Recreation Center Executive Board, a charter member of the Hadensville Social Club, and a proud member of the Poinsettia Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES). Earline devoted over 30 years of her career as a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Commonwealth of Virginia and found joy in organizing family and class reunions, as well as sharing laughter-filled afternoons at the bridge, bingo, or bid-whist tables.

A brilliant, witty, and curious lifelong learner, Earline graduated as the valedictorian of Central High School's Class of 1959. She instilled the values of hard work, education, and discipline in her children and grandchildren, all of whom earned bachelor's and master's degrees from renowned institutions, inspired by her relentless support and prayers.

Her remains rest at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home, 2530 Dogtown Rd., Goochland, Va. where a viewing will be held from 1 to 7 p.m., on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. A celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Antioch Baptist Church, 4712 River Road West, Goochland, Va.