Joyce Eason Thornton

HENDERSON- Joyce Ann Eason Thornton, 82, of Pine View Road, died Tuesday, May 02, 2023 at Duke Regional Hospital. Born March 28, 1941 in Johnston County, she was the daughter of the late Mozelle Creech Eason and James Edward Eason. Joyce was a 1959 graduate of Four Oaks High School and a 1961 graduate of the Johnston Memorial Hospital School of Radiological Technology. Following graduation, she was employed in the Radiology Departments at Parkview Hospital in Rocky Mount, and Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville. She married Lloyd “Dean” Thornton in 1962 and moved to Henderson where she would raise their children and continue her employment. Joyce was employed for many years in the office of Dr. J.D. Mayo and subsequently in the Mayo, Mills and Tolson Clinic. She also worked in Maria Parham Hospital’s Nuclear Medicine Department as well as at Vance County Social Services and Mental Health Services. She finalized her work history with a part time position as Administrative Assistant for J.L. Williams Construction Company, retiring in 2016. She enjoyed craft making, quilting and reading in addition to cooking for family and friends. Joyce was a member of First United Methodist Church for more than 60 years and the Friendly Christians Sunday School Class. At church she served on numerous committees but was especially devoted to the Family Ministry Team and Board of Trustees. During her later years of church service she took a lead role, devoting many hours, in organizing and maintaining the Clothing Closet Ministry. A memorial service will be held Sunday, at 3:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church by Rev. George Loveland. Inurnment will follow at the columbarium wall of First United Methodist. In addition to her husband of 60 years, Lloyd Dean Thornton, Joyce is survived by a son, Kevin Scott Thornton of Durham; three sisters, Genell Sugrue of Johnston, RI, Wanda Langon of Dunn and Jennifer Ferrell of Stedman; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Dean Thornton and a daughter, Carla Deanne Thornton Cissell; two brothers, Joe Eason and David Eason; and three sisters, Lolita Godwin, Shirley Parker and Judy Buffkin. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist and at other times at the home,175 Pine View Road, Henderson, NC 27537. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 114 Church St, Henderson, NC 27536 or Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society, 165 US Hwy 158 Bypass Henderson, NC 27537.