With hearts full of both sorrow and joy, we celebrate the life of Linda Louise Thornton, who passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. We are heartbroken to not have her with us, but we are rejoicing knowing she is celebrating with Jesus in her new and healed body.

Linda was born on April 15, 1948, to the late Leonard and Blanche Thornton. She was a Lowndes High graduate, but moved to Echols County after marrying the love of her life. She is survived by her son, Richard; daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela Carter (Paul) and Sharon Rodriguez (Pedro); grandchildren, Emily Carter, Jacob Carter, Patience Carter, Gabby Rodriguez, and lil Pete Rodriguez; sisters in law Dona Mae Crosby, Edna Carter, and Carolyn (Jim) Harnage; brother and sister in law Keith (Jackie) Thornton; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Jerry Thornton, her father and mother, her father in law and mother in law, RJ and Idona Thornton, her brother Leonard Thornton, Jr., along with two brothers in law, Wilson Crosby and Don Carter.

Linda was a woman whose life reflected her deep love for the Lord.
She walked in faith, trusted in His promises, and lived each day with a quiet strength and grace that touched everyone who knew her. She loved to share the gospel through singing with her husband and kids, both at church and at special family gatherings. She attended Jennings Pentecostal Deliverance Center and Jennings Church of God until her health dramatically declined. Linda loved her family with all of her heart and it showed. She had a smile for everyone and a sense of humor right up to the end. Linda loved to cook and work in her house until she couldn’t. She loved doing crossword puzzles and often did these while doing dialysis, hoping to make the time pass quickly.

Linda leaves behind a legacy of faith,
love, and devotion to Christ that will continue to inspire her family forever.

Funeral services for Linda will be held at 1pm on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Sardis Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Carter Cemetery. The family will visit on Friday from 5-7pm at the family home.

Online condolences may be shared online at www.mclanecares.com.