With deep sadness we announce that on April 15, 2025, Shemaine Laura (née LeVasseur) Thornton, age 60, left this life in the presence of her loving family. Born in Fairbanks, Alaska on September 23, 1964 and after a life of adventure she made a home with her loving husband Michael in Columbia, South Carolina. She was a proud graduate of Columbia College, and was a teacher for many years, finally retiring from Mill Creek Elementary then continuing molding young lives at Cutler Jewish Day School. She enjoyed creating often, thinking deeply, rescuing animals, loving strongly, learning openly, and teaching passionately. She is greeted in death by her Mother and Father, Constance and Eugene LeVasseur, and Brother in Law James Buffalo Jr. She is survived by her adoring husband, Michael Thornton; sons Alexander, Benjamin, Justin (Angela), Matthew (Fujiko), and chosen daughters Tanya and Jennifer, grandchildren Nicholai, Ares, Leo, Charlotte, Cayden, Miyuki, Isabella, Arianna, Alexandria; siblings Richard LeVasseur, Donald LeVasseur, DebraAnn Buffalo, and Constance (Paul) VanSlambrouck; many adoring nieces and nephew, grandnieces and grandnephews. 

The family would like to thank Empyrean Hospice for the love and care they provided to Shemaine and her family. At her request, no service will be held. Her family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers please donate in Shemaine’s honor to Riverbanks Zoo and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.