Clarece Elizabeth Thornton

GREENSBORO, NC – Mrs. Clarece Elizabeth Cruickshank Thornton, 98, of Greensboro, NC and formerly of Jacksonville Beach, FL laid down her earthly tabernacle and entered into her eternal rest on October 5, 2025. She was a resident of Spring Arbor Assisted Living Facility of Greensboro, having moved from Florida with her husband in 2015.

Mrs. Thornton was born December 15, 1926 in Westerly, Rhode Island to George and Clara Cruickshank and in 1959 married Terrence Edward Thornton with whom she had 2 children and faithfully was a homemaker while “Terry” was away in military service. She worked part-time at a skating rink so that she could watch her son skate. Clarece was a strong-minded woman and retained her sharp, witty personality into her later years. She always had an opinion and was not bashful about sharing it. Family meant everything to her. She was known for her selfless giving and was meticulous in everything she did. She spent countless hours crocheting and creating items to be given away. Perhaps one of her most memorable passions was shopping. Not buying, just shopping.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Thornton is preceded in death by her daughter Carol Elizabeth Adsit Brackett, son L/Cpl. Paul Stuart Thornton, and brother George Cruickshank. She is survived by son-in-law Charles Brackett (Carolyn) of Amelia Island, FL, , nephew Randall Kiser (Kay) of Oak Ridge, NC, sister-in-law Betty Cruickshank of Asheville, NC, nephew Steve Cruickshank (Debi) of Asheville, NC, great niece Shannon Willard (Chris) of Madison, NC, great nephew Brandon Smith (Mandi) of Cumming, GA, 2 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

A chapel service is scheduled for 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 14 at Hardage Giddens Funeral Home, Beaches Chapel Jacksonville Beach, FL with burial to follow beside her husband in H. Warren Smith Cemetery in Jacksonville Beach, FL.

Special thanks are extended to the loving and caring staff of Spring Arbor of Greensboro, special caregiver for several years Randall and Kay Kiser, and son-in-law Charles “Chuck” and Carolyn Brackett for their faithful devotion to her.