Carol B. Thornton

Born Carol Lee Billerbeck on November 23, 1931, in Peoria, Illinois, she was the cherished daughter of Robert and Phebe Billerbeck. She and her sister sang hymns together growing up and she and her family were very involved with their Church. Carol attended Woodruff High School, graduating in 1950, and began working as a phone operator for the local phone company.

Fate intervened when Carol reconnected with an acquaintance from high school, Joseph “Joe” Thornton. Their chance encounter blossomed into a lifelong love story, and on June 8, 1952, Carol and Joe were united in marriage. In 1964, they settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where they built a home filled with love and warmth. Joe and Carol would have celebrated 72 years this June.

Their union blessed them with three beautiful daughters: Laurel Winters (John), Holly Hobaica (Danny), and Heather White (Mark). Carol adored her grandchildren, Joey and Danny Winters, Phebe Catedral (Gabriel), Kyra, and Hannah Hobaica, and cherished every moment spent with them.

Carol's life was a tapestry woven with love and creativity. She found joy in family gatherings, where she shared her passion for cooking, sewing, quilting, reading and crocheting. She loved the Lord with all her heart and was a great example to her family. Her legacy lives on through the valuable life skills she passed down to her daughters and grandchildren.

In addition to her immediate family, Carol is survived by her sister, Gloria King. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Phebe Billerbeck, and her granddaughter, Emma Carol Hobaica. Though our hearts ache with her absence, we find solace in knowing that Carol is now reunited with her loved ones in eternity.

The interment of Joe and Carol B. Thornton will be on July 19th at 11:00 am in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.