Cathy Elizabeth Thornton

Cathy Elizabeth Thornton, 56, passed into the arms of Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, April 16th. She was born to Nina and the late Thomas Heath on June 29th, 1956 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to Hampton Roads in 1985. She earned a BS in Psychology from Christopher Newport University, an MA in Education from Christopher Newport University and started doctoral work in education at William and Mary. Cathy prided herself in being a strong single parent of three children making sure they wanted for nothing despite hard financial straits. Anyone who knew Cathy knew she was 100% dedicated to her three children. Ever a natural teacher, she taught in various Hampton Roads Elementary Schools from 2002 and Sunday School at Chestnut Memorial UMC. Cathy is survived by her mother, Nina Heath; twin brother, John Heath; sons, Patrick Thornton of Newport News and Thomas Thornton of Hakodate, Japan; her daughter, Dr. Adria Markowski of Hampton; her newly born granddaughter, Demetria Elizabeth Markowski; and her loving children-in-law, Jueveyln, Miyako, and David. Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244, Attention: Development Department. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home and 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Monday, April 22 at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church. A celebration of Cathy's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, at Chestnut United Methodist Church in Newport News. Entombment will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 24 at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.