Nelda Frances Thornburg

Mrs. Nelda Frances Allen Thornburg, – born December 27, 1925 in Louisville, MS, died October 15, 2012 at her residence in Mobile, AL. Mrs. Thornburg was preceded in death by her parents, Talmadge Dewitt Allen and Ada Haynes Allen, eight siblings, and her husband of 47 years, Thomas Aaron “Butch” Thornburg.

She is survived by her son, Thomas Anthony Andy” Thornburg; her daughter-in-law, Beverly Hartley Thornburg; grandson, Chad Anthony Thornburg and his wife, Jenny; granddaughter, Kristin Thornburg Hults and her husband, Josh Hults; six great-grandchildren, Aaron Thornburg, Hartley Thornburg, Kelly Kirkwood, Sarah Hults, Ava Hults, and Mace Hults; three sisters-in-law, Blanche Maddox, June Thornburg, and Vi Thornburg; and many family and friends.

Nelda was employed by the University of South Alabama Library for 39 years, retiring in 2006 at age 80. Nelda and Butch were part of a small group who planted Christ United Methodist Church in 1980. She was a member of the Stephens Ministry and many Bible studies. She mentored young women in these studies and influenced them in many ways. The family would especially like to thank Mary Few, Nelda’s dearest friend. Also, thank you to all of her loving and devoted caregivers and the compassionate staff of Odyssey Hospice, you are so loved and appreciated.

Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. on Thursday, October 18, 2012 from Christ United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 9 A.M. until 11 A.M. on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of our three favorite charities: Camp Bluebird, Adult Cancer Camp in memory of Debbie Nichols, c/o the Cancer Center at Providence Hospital, McKemie Place, Shelter for Homeless Women, @ McKemiePlace.org, or the Hope Project, c/o Grove United Methodist Church, 9729 Concord Place, Mobile, AL 36695. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery West, on Snow Road.