Joyce Thornton April 26, 1933 ~ April 24, 2021 Joyce Thornton went to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 24, 2021, just a few days shy of her 88th birthday. The daughter of Gladys Edna (Ganes) and Worley Sylvanus Holland, Joyce was born April 26, 1933 in El Reno, Oklahoma. After graduating from Capitol Hill High School in 1950, she married the love of her life, Floyd Haskell Thornton on November 17, 1951. Together as one in everything they did, this marriage was blessed with 69 years of unfailing love, respect and gratitude for each other. They were additionally blessed with the birth of their son, Floyd Wayne and daughter, Brenda. Being a loving and devoted wife, mother and homemaker was Joyce’s true happiness in life and she always made the most of moments she spent with them. Joyce also worked as an accounts receivable clerk for different companies throughout her career including Unit Parts Manufacturing, Cooper Industries, and the oil and gas industry. The family enjoyed many weekends away at the lake home at Lake Eufaula. Joyce has a true appreciation of God’s majestic wonders He created in nature. She absolutely loved being outdoors, especially working in her garden and her favorite pastime of watching birds of any feather. She carried on her love for birdwatching to her grandchildren as well. Traveling the great distances throughout the world, including several foreign countries and lands, Joyce accomplished travelling to every state in the United States with the exception of Hawaii. Throughout her life endeavors, many activities and worldly travels, Joyce remained constant in her devout love and service of the Lord. Always remaining faithful, selfless and with a servant’s heart, Joyce was a true reflection as described in scripture as a Proverbs 31 woman. The Thornton’s were devoted to their churches. The two were members of Sunny Lane Assembly of God for 42 years, and currently were 20 year members of Bethesda Church, where they were truly a part of the church family. She was very active in her Seniors Group and could often times be found serving in the church kitchen and volunteering for many church activities. Joyce also demonstrated a competitive spirit when it came to card and table games. She enjoyed to play games such as Rook, Dominoes, and Chickenfoot and she loved being victorious against her husband in all games. She always enjoyed having friends over to entertain and was very hospitable in opening her home, heart and friendship to others. Joyce was very passionate about showing the unconditional love of the Lord in all things, nothing was more important to Joyce than that. She loved her Lord and family with all of her heart above all else. Joyce left a tremendous legacy that will continue to live on through each of us and she will forever be held close in our hearts each day. Although we will miss her presence here on earth each day, we rejoice in knowing we will be reunited in Heaven one glorious day. She was preceded in death by her: Parents; Sisters: Dolores Ramsey, Carol Robinson and Mary Devine. Joyce leaves behind her loving family: Husband of 69 years, Floyd Haskell Thornton; Son, Floyd Wayne Thornton and his wife, Joyce May; Daughter, Brenda Mullins and her husband, Charles; Seven Grandchildren: Stephen Robert Brewer, Jason Robert & Ashlea Brewer, Heidi & Donnie Gillespie, Christopher Floyd & Kara Thornton, Timothy & Debra Thornton, Matthew & Elizabeth Thornton, and Aletia Thornton; 16 Great Grandchildren; 5 Great-Great Grandchildren with a 6th one expected in December 2021; As well as several close nieces, nephews and cousins; Many other extended family & friends. A poem written by Floyd Wayne Thornton: Mom you’ve left a legacy To last beyond your years The life you’ve lived in all of us Should dispel any fears The good instilled in sis and me Has come from best of care We know that most of what we are Is from your love so fair At 88 you’ve finished now This journey and this task We’re all so very proud of you There’s nothing more we’d ask The only thing that’s left to do Is think of future home Where life will be without the pain And full of sights to roam When Jesus calls to take you there Elated you will be Surrounded by the heavenly hosts And righteous family The light you’ll see will shine so far From heavenly throne of God A bow of many colors too Will keep you so enthralled This is the hope that we all seek When striving here below But hope we have for all you’ve done And guided where to go