Naomi Ruth Thornton

Naomi Ruth Thornton of Amarillo Texas died Friday, August 14, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, TX. Arrangements are by Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors.

Naomi was born February 29, 1929 in a farmhouse in Thalia, Texas to Earnest and Iva Martin Crisp. She attended Crowell High School and Abilene Christian College. About that same time, her family moved to Plainview, TX. It was there that she met Buford Thornton and they married in 1949. They had three daughters, and Naomi devoted herself to motherhood. Once the youngest was in school, she went to work and even got her Masters degree in Education. She was a reading specialist teacher at Amarillo Christian School, Amarillo ISD Bowie and Horace Mann, and Boys Ranch. She also taught the two year olds in Sunday School for many years, all while continuing to be a wonderful mother.

She was an extraordinary seamstress, and made the cutest dresses for her girls when they were small, and beautiful prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses as they grew up. She was a Saturday night hairstylist too, giving expert level Toni perms to her three girls during their childhood, and curling their hair with spoolies for Sunday morning church service. They were always well dressed, as Naomi was in tune with fashion. She was also happy in her kitchen, baking delicious pies and cakes for family gatherings or church groups, and big meals for her family gatherings. Her home was filled with love and connection, the scene for family holidays, making everyone feel loved and valued by making each one their favorite dish.

Naomi’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. A devout Christian, she lived with a quiet trust in God. She didn’t just speak her faith, she lived it. Through her service to others, she reflected Christ’s love. Whether it was through a warm meal, helping give baby and wedding showers, or tutoring a student, she served others selflessly without recognition.

Naomi loved her family. Her love was constant and unconditional. A summary of her life wouldn’t be complete without pointing to the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi, whom she was named for. This supreme example of love beyond biological bonds is the truest reflection of Christ’s love. Our mother loved extended family like her own, and her in-laws became her family. That is truly living up to her name.

Naomi’s family would like to thank the many dedicated caregivers that cared for her at Goodlife Assisted Living and Memory Care, The Reserve Memory Care, Hillside Heights Rehab Suites, and BSA Hospice. Their gentle and tender care made this journey so much more bearable, and are like family to us.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Buford, daughter Threassa Hillbrand, sisters Tommie Lee Scott and Wanda Verner, brothers Everett and Wayne Crisp.

She is survived by two daughters: Pam Workman and husband Robert, Karen Bott and husband Phil; six grandchildren: Staci Mullinax, Nick Williams, Clay Williams, Christi Foreshee, Tiffany Roberts, and Randy Bott; 17 great grandchildren: Parker and Noem Mullinax, Liam, Cameron, and Miles Foreshee, Rydar and Braelynn Williams, HaylieJo, Emmett, Marshall, and Sawyer Roberts, David, Buford, Charlie, Chandler, Kennedy, and Wyatt Bott; one brother Travis Crisp and wife Margie; sister- in-law Nina Terrell, many nieces and nephews, and special caregiver-like-a-daughter Jessica Tropez.