Ina King Maddox Nesbitt Thornton passed away peacefully in Austin, Texas on July 23,2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She is now in heaven with all her loved ones who preceded her: father Leonard Allen Maddox, mother Annie Lee Maddox, brother Leonard Allen Maddox Jr., sister Mona Sue Click, and beloved and wonderful husbands Robert Carl Nesbitt and Gene Thornton. Born on May 1, 1938 and raised in Eden, Texas she lived her early years surrounded by family and friends. An adventurous sort, she left Eden shortly after high school graduation with her Uncle King (a namesake) in a pink Cadillac convertible! They drove in splendor to Albuquerque, New Mexico where Ina’s sisters lived. For seven months she earned her way as a car hop until she met a handsome young Navy man from Spokane WA named Robert (Bob) Nesbitt. They married on March 15, 1957. Ina and Bob had three children, Gayle Ann, Bobette Elaine and Michael Allen. After many years living in such places as San Diego, Whidbey Island, Oahu, and Beeville, Texas, she and Bob and the kids settled near Eden in San Angelo. Ina was never one to complain and her adventurous and courageous spirit was forged during Bob’s long deployments away from family including three tours in Vietnam. During those times, she always welcomed a visit from her family in whatever coastal town she and the kids were stationed and made trips back to Texas whenever possible to be with her family. Once her youngest child was in school, she began a career in retail sales and soon became manager of the Navy Exchange in Beeville. Her career kept her busy until her first grandchild was born. She then began a long and happy career as “Nana”, lovingly dedicated to her four grandchildren. Ina loved fiercely and loyally. She and Bob made lifelong friends with Robert and Yvonne King. While their husbands were deployed, Ina and Yvonne (a.k.a. Lucy and Ethel) would have fun and support each other. They even took a job together at a canning factory which conjures up the famous candy assembly line scene from ‘I Love Lucy’! Ina and Yvonne remained best friends for over 60 years. That same sense of commitment rose up whenever she saw injustice. She was famous for writing letters to Presidents, CEOs, or newspapers to express her outrage and call leaders into creating positive change for the marginalized. Ina knew how to have a good time! She lit up a room with her joy, sense of humor and huge laugh, and her mischievous eyes. Those in her strong friend network called the ‘New Timers” came to know this, and her servant heart came to life through her Sunday School class at Southland Baptist in San Angelo. Ina is survived by her brother Roger Pat Maddox and wife Annette, her sister Bobbie Lockett and her husband Philip, daughter Gayle Vittorini and her husband Steve, daughter Bobette Nesbitt, and son Michael Nesbitt, and her fabulous grandchildren Amber Marie and Lee Stewart, Ashley Nicole Nesbitt, Stephen Robert Vittorini and Hope Ann Vittorini. And many nieces and nephews who will keep Aunt Ina’s memory alive with their many stories. It’s been a long goodbye to Nana. We have no doubt we’ll see her again in heaven. Until then she would want us to continue to be the hands and feet of Christ to everyone we meet. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2020 in the chapel of Johnson’s Funeral Home with interment to follow in Fairmount Cemetery. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com
