Marilyn Virginia Smith Thornhill, age 84, of Darbun, Mississippi, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 4, 1942, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Elijah Rudolph Smith and Mary Weltha Odom Graham. She graduated from Monticello High School in 1960, completed Business School in 1962, and graduated from Nursing School in 1969. Marilyn dedicated her life to caring for others, serving as a Labor and Delivery nurse before retiring as an Emergency Room nurse in 2004. A faithful member of Magee's Creek Baptist Church, Marilyn served in many ministries throughout the years. Her greatest joy was serving on the Flower Committee, where she lovingly used her talents to bring beauty to God's house. Marilyn had a lifelong passion for creating beauty. She found great joy in cultivating flower gardens, painting canvases, decorating homes and church fellowship halls, and designing beautiful Christmas displays. Her creativity, gracious spirit, and servant's heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah Rudolph Smith and Mary Weltha Odom Graham; her father-in-law, George Lampton Thornhill; her mother-in-law, Ethel Conerly Thornhill; and her sisters-in-law, Vera May Sylvest and Glyndon Olivia Eiler.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, James Clifford Thornhill; her daughters, Jennifer Thornhill and Suzanna (Suzie) Davis (Eric); her twin sister, Carolyn Oglesbee Harvey (John Henry); her brother, Elijah Rudolph (Rudy) Smith, Jr.; her granddaughters, Mamie, Trinity, Lucie, Shelbee, and Maggie-Claire; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Magee's Creek Baptist Church in Jayess (Darbun), Mississippi. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Holly Springs Cemetery in Foxworth, Mississippi.
