Born September 12, 1963, in Jackson to Truman and Earline Craft, she married William ‘Bill’ Thornton in 1983 and they were blessed with 31 years together, raising 3 daughters before he left to prepare their forever home in heaven.
She started working at McCarty Farms in April 1983 and retired in May 2026 from the same lab under Tyson Foods- clocking out after 40 years of service and lifelong friendship. She always kept a place at her table for anyone and whether it was chicken salad, spaghetti, chocolate chip cake, or Nonna fries you knew she would be making food that you’d crave the rest of your days.
Throughout her life she was known by many names- Daughter, Sister, Friend, Wife, Mother, but her most cherished name was ‘Nonna’. She will forever be remembered for her positive attitude in the face of adversity with a ‘Suck it Up’ or ‘It is What it is’ at the ready. Throughout all of life’s ups and down, she embraced the opportunities each day new day brought knowing that ‘Every day is a blessing’ and found joy in the smallest of things.
She is survived by her brother Thomas Craft (Crystal, son Triston); daughters Tabbi McKinney (Jason), Talaine ‘Lainey’ Warren (Gabe), and Tasma Troutman (Tyler); Grandchildren Tarah Conroy, Steven Neiburg, Kayla Cockrell, Savannah Heidelberg, Kierstyn and Kiernyn McKinney, Hunter Warren, and Dellah, Tillie, and Tipper Troutman; and 8 great-grandchildren along with so many nieces, nephews and family by both choice and good fortune.
She was preceded in death by her parents Truman and Earline Craft, her Husband and Best Friend William 'Bill' Thornton, brother Christopher Craft, and sister Cynthia Gonzalez.
Visitation will be held from 12:00pm until 2:30pm, Friday, July 3, 2026, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Graveside services will follow at 3:00pm at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.
