Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1928
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Elsie Thornton Obituary
Mrs. Thornton was born in New Cumberland, WV in 1928. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years,
Robert L. Thornton; and two daughters, Donna T. Leibel and Sheila T. Liles.
Surviving is her sister, Hope M. Carmines of Edenton; two sons, Terry Thornton (Karen) of Elizabeth City and Brent Thornton (wife, Nancy) of Winston Salem. Elsie was known by her five grandchildren as "Sunshine Grandma", and they include Wesley Liles, Scott Liles, Melissa Griffey, Megan Overton, and Kelsey Cartwright (husband, Kevin). She also leaves behind six great-grandchildren, Taylor, Grace, Everly, Zane, Lilah and Jaylen.
A graduate from Elizabeth Buxton Nursing School in 1949, she spent her life taking care of others, having been a nurse for over 50 years. She retired from nursing in June 1996 and went on to teach classes for nursing aides until 1998.
In accordance with her wishes, no services are being planned.
Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elsie Thornton
Sponsored by Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Homes & Crematory - Edenton.
How you can show support
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Memorial Events
for Elsie Thornton
Funeral services provided by:
Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Homes & Crematory - Edenton735 Virginia Road PO Box 45, Edenton, NC 27932
People and places connected with Elsie
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Elsie's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Elsie Thornton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
