Dorothy H Thornton

Dorothy Hancock Thornton, 87, passed away peacefully at home on July 5th from complications of dementia. She met William M Thornton while working in Tampa shortly after World War II. They were married January 9, 1949 and later moved to Washington DC where Bill completed his education. Bill and Dorothy returned to Florida in 1957. She helped Bill raise the children and was instrumental in helping Bill start Thornton and Company. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, William M. Thornton. She was also predeceased by her parents and sisters Hilda H. Brooks and Melba Hancock. She is survived by her 3 sons; Steve (Ellen) Thornton and Scott (Jennifer ) Thornton, both of Winter Haven, and Craig Thornton of Blue Ridge, Ga. She is further survived by her two daughters: Kathy (Chesley) Cawthon of Perry, Ga. and Susan Thornton of Winter Haven. She leaves eight grand children: Meg Thornton, Clark Thornton, David Thornton, Turner Thornton, Anthony Thornton, Katie Cawthon, Bo Thornton, and Christopher Cawthon. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 on July 11 th at Oak Ridge Funeral Home. There will be a graveside service on Saturday at 11:00 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lake Placid. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Lakeland Christian School or Meals on Wheels.