Obituary of Deborah Ann Thornton

On 9/28/2024, Deborah Ann Thornton, our beautiful mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend lost her battle with a long-term illness while under care at Buffalo General Hospital. Born in Medina, NY on June 14th 1956, Deborah was the eldest daughter of Tessie Thornton and Leroy Thornton, Sr. (deceased). She was also the eldest grandchild of the late Louise Thornton and Jimmie Lee Thornton of Gifford, Florida and Rose Lee Brown and Walter Brown of Calhoun, Georgia. She is survived by one son, William Micah Gibbons Thornton, three living siblings Leroy Thornton, Jr., Sharon Duvall Thornton, and Ronald Thornton (Deanna Wittcop). Karen Thornton, her sister and friend died in 2014. In addition, she is loved, honored, and missed by a host of nieces and nephews whom she played a direct role in guiding, encouraging, and protecting. Today, we all share a tremendous sense of grief and longing to see her again.

Deborah loved gardening and took a lot of joy in planting flowers. Her favorite flowers in her garden were her Honeysuckle and Tulips. She also loved spending time with family and often hosted Super Bowl events and cookouts. But, what she loved most was spending time with her son, watching science fiction films and their favorite tv shows, in addition to doing renovation projects at home.

People often say “home is where the heart is” and that’s certainly where hers always was. Described by her son as a person with “the biggest heart,” she showed her love by giving to her family freely and never missing an opportunity to support their individual goals. She also loved the Lockport community and the many families who have been here for generations. She too, held special affection for her friends at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Because she spent the majority of her life here forming deep and meaningful connections we can take comfort in the fact that her heart will live on in each of us.

Relatives and friends may call Saturday, October 12^th from 12-2 PM with funeral services following at 2 PM all in Prudden And Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport.  Those wishing to contrbute monetary donations, please contact the family directly.  Visit pruddenandkandt.com.

Live Stream Link:  Deborah Thornton Funeral Service