Joan Thornton

Joan was born in Ferndale, Michigan, to Laverne and Evelyn Borton, on February 17,1934. She was a proud graduate of Lincoln Park High School. After graduation, Mom worked for Michigan Bell as a switchboard operator. She would always say that she then made the best decision of her life and signed up to be a WAF (Woman in the Air Force), a bold and brave move for a woman in the 1950’s.

While in the Air Force Mom met our father, Mullis G. Thornton. They were married in a small chapel at Barksdale AFB, LA on September 5, 1953. After marriage and upon a USAF transfer to Germany, Mom left the Air Force. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage until Dad’s passing in 2021.

It was in Germany that their first child, Mullis Glen Jr., was born. The next move was back to the States, to Homestead, Florida, where daughter Kimberly was born. Bermuda was the next destination chosen by the USAF, where son Mark was born. The final move back to the states, to the state of Massachusetts, is where daughter Kelly was born. After a few years, the family moved back to Homestead, Florida. Homestead was their final USAF base until Dad's retirement in 1972.

Upon Dad’s retirement, the family moved to Dad’s hometown of Naples, Florida, permanently. Mom loved the beaches, going shelling, and “living in paradise” as she would often say. At various times, our parents were members of East Naples Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, and finally, proud charter members of North Naples Baptist Church.

For many years they were season ticket holders to Naples High School football games starting when their son, Mark, played football. Mom and Dad were known to never miss a game, even if it meant long drives to away games.

Mom enjoyed being active with the Bible Study group at her churches, always willing to help plan a themed party or two.

She enjoyed crafts of all kinds, playing dominoes with cherished family friends, and playing cards. She was also known to never miss a garage sale! Our parents enjoyed many trips together whether it was driving across the country to visit family and friends or taking a cruise.

Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and a host of friends. Her face would light up with joy whenever they visited her.

She is now reunited with Mullis, her beloved husband of 68 years, and son, Mullis, Jr., as well as her parents, her sister Waunita O’Day, brother, Bob Borton, and mother-in-law, Emma Thornton. Sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Thornton) Scrannage and Nellie (Thornton) Tucker. Brothers-in-law Frank, Thomas, Jr., and Richard Thornton.

Joan is survived by daughter Kimberly Gore, son Mark (Debby), and Kelly Dykes (Dennis). Grandchildren Jeannette Fee, Jennifer Callahan (Bob), Jason (Brittani) Gore, Danielle Wagoner (Teddy), William Thornton, Austin Dykes (Valerie), and Myah Gundersen. Great Grandchildren Allesha Quillen, Natasha Ruddy, Matthew Skaggs, Brennen Fee, Kimberlee Fee, Teddy Wagoner, William Wagoner, Linkin Gore and Isla Gore. Great Great Granddaughters Claire Quillen and Brooklyn Fee.

She is also survived by her brother Richard (Beverly) Borton of Arlington, Washington, sister-in-law's, Pat Borton of Grass Lake, Michigan, and Joyce Thornton of Naples, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and loyal friends.

Her legacy lives in the generations she nurtured, and the countless lives brightened by her presence.

Our family is deeply appreciative of the skilled and compassionate care that Mom received from the place she called “home” these last few years, the Douglas Jacobson State Veteran’s Nursing Home in Port Charlotte, Florida.

A visitation will be held on January 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, located at 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108.

The funeral service will follow on the same day, January 23, 2026, from 11:00 am at the same venue.

Interment with Military Honors will be held in Naples Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.

If you wish to make a donation in Joan’s name, please donate to Douglas Jacobson State Veteran’s Nursing home or Tidewell Hospice, Port Charlotte.