Judy Darlene Thornton

She was a faithful servant of the Most High, rooted in her faith and love for Jesus as her Savior. She devoted her life to serving Him and sharing His Love with others. As a proud Christian and military wife, she shared 61 years of marriage with the love of her life, Ellis Thornton, standing faithfully by his side through every season.

She cherished her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was an amazing baker and cake decorator. She loved making memories on get togethers, family dinners, holidays and birthdays.

As a Children’s Pastor, missionary, teacher, foster parent and mentor, she faithfully poured love, patience, wisdom and lots of prayers into countless lives. Her greatest joy was helping others know and grow in Jesus, and her influence reached far beyond what she could ever see.

God blessed her with many creative gifts, which she used for His Glory. She expressed her love and faith through art – chalk drawings, paintings, puppet making, ceramic work and drawings – Often using creativity as a way to teach, encourage, and bring joy.

She was also very musically talented, playing multiple instruments but especially the piano and accordion. She would be seen singing gospel songs and hymns and ministering to the elderly and in nursing homes with friends and family.

Judy was born in Camas, Washington to the late Trimble Wiley and Violet Ione Mack on August 7th 1942. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters; Marvel Mack, Merline Miller ( and husband Paul) and Patricia Mack. And her brothers Donald Mack ( and wife Donna) and Daniel Mack. And her grandson Dylan.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ellis Thornton, her sister Merilee Morrell (and husband Gene), her sons Dale Thornton (wife Martha) and David Thornton (wife Joy) her daughters Erica White and Amanda Elliott ( husband Josh),

Her grandchildren Dave Thornton (wife Aimee) Jeremy Thornton (wife Lauren), Daniel Thornton, Lydia Thornton, Alyssa Aponte (husband Alex), Alijah Elliott and Benjamin Queen, and her great-grandchildren, Brayden, Jackson, Bentley, Legend, Parker and Liliana.

Judy was in the graduating class of 1960 in Fairbanks, Alaska, and she attended Holmes Bible College in South Carolina from 1960 – 1963. She returned back home to Fairbanks Alaska and became both a Church Pastor and Children’s Pastor for the next 40 years. She met the love of her life in 1963 and they were married in May of 1964 and started their family.

The Memorial Service is open to all and will be Saturday February 7th at 4 pm, at Transforming Life Church located at 4143 George Washington memorial highway, Hayes, Virginia 23072.

If anyone would like to send flowers, please send them to

Transforming Life Church

4143 George Washington memorial highway

Hayes, Virginia 23072.