Our beloved mother and grandmother Queen Mary Etta Thornton passed away peacefully on March 24, 2021 to be with her mother, father and siblings. Mary was born on March 12, 1942 in Scranton, NC to the late Harvey, Sr. and Sarah Burrus. She was also predeceased by her brothers Andrew Burrus, Lewis Burrus, Harvey Burrus Jr, a sister Rosie May Williams and two grandchildren Wiley Thornton and Anthony Thornton. She attended Norfolk Public Schools and was employed by Lake Taylor Hospital for over 20 years.
Mary was the matriarch of the family, she was very loving and devoted to her love ones. She touched people in a deep and positive way. She was a high-spirited soul who always made sure she dressed her best for every occasion. Her favorite saying was “mhm, mhm” while holding a conversation. Mary enjoyed simple pleasures such as shopping and attending social events. She looked forward to her yearly birthday celebrations at Golden Corral with her family.
Mary leaves to cherish her memories: six children: Denise Thornton, Mary Anne Perez, Nathaniel Thornton (Elizabeth), Yvonne Thornton-Swift (Robert), Felicia Harris (Melvin), Yvette Thornton, eighteen grandchildren, Felicia Gray, Sheena Gray, Alan Thornton (Tera), Benito Perez, Travis Perez, Atanacio Perez (Antionette), Jeffrey Monroe, Tonya Hinton, Nathaniel Hinton, Sa’de Hinton, Toneka Thornton, Ken Thornton, Glenn Thornton, Cherise Thornton, Keosha Thornton (Shawnta), Wesley Jones, Nazlah Thornton, Melvin Thompson and 45 great- grandchildren; three sisters, Sarah Clark, Lena Moton, Sabrina Brown; and one brother, Richard Burrus; two living aunt’s Lydia Felton and Mary Alexander, two special friends Brenda Owen and Fern Burnell who loved her dearly, and a host of family and friends.
