Barbara Ann McSpadden Thornton

Barbara Ann McSpadden Thornton, 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother of Houston, Texas, passed away January 31, 2013. She was born December 26, 1932 in Fort Payne, Alabama, near Lookout Mountain.

Barbara married her pen-pal M.S. and became an Air Force wife and mother. After traveling the globe she began a career with the U.S. Post Office at Bear Creek in Katy, Texas, retiring after 30 years of service.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary McSpadden; her father, Hubert F. McSpadden; her brothers, Hubert F. McSpadden , Jr. and Clinton R. McSpadden; her sister, Opal I. Coots; and her husband, M.S. Thornton.

She is survived by her four children, Carolyn and husband, Robert Buckner; Michael S.Thornton and wife, Mary; Curtis T. Thornton and wife, Candice; Debra and husband, Darwin Gray. She is also survived by her sister, Norma Alexander. Other survivors include twelve grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, a multitude of nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. Her grandchildren are: Nicole, Brianna, Aaron, Shawn, Alex, Jessica, James, Heather, Curt, Elizabeth, Barbara, and Nolan. Her great-grandchildren include: Dylan, Dare, Madison, Caleb, Emma, Ember, Sydney, Sawyer, Catherine, Daphne, Skyler, Joey, Cobin, Jacob, Hunter, and Ashlynn.

Barbara never met a stranger! She had a loving and generous heart. Barbara loved her family unconditionally and with pride. Barbara will be missed dearly by her family and friends, and all those that she touched with her kindness. We now rejoice that she is with the Lord and her family and friends who have passed before her. May the angels comfort her!

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 4, 2013 at Waltrip Funeral Directors, where a reception will follow. Reverend Eugene Vickrey will be officiating.