Jean Ruth Thorne

In addition to her parents, Mami Douglas and Edward Sill, she is preceded in death by her loving husband Michael Thorne; and her two sons, Jimmy Nichols and John Nichols.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Judy Cibelli; her siblings, Cecilia Sill and Edward Sill; her grandson, Stephen Matusumro; her grand-daughters, Julia Cummings and Tetiana Cibelli; and two bonus daughters, Carla Wallace and Natalie Yates.

After moving to North Carolina, she soon saw the need for someone to rescue cats. She was one of the founders of Cat's Cradle and then soon moved on to create her own Partners For Cats Rescue. She enjoyed photography and took many pictures from home, mostly of the animals who came to visit her on her balcony. She was a very generous and giving person, who was always willing to help someone in need. Her legacy lives on through Partners For Cats.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on January 3, 2026 at Bethel Global Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 1328 Bethel Road, Morganton, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that you make donations to Partners For Cats.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton North Carolina will be serving the family.