Mrs. Joan Smith Thornton

Atlanta/ Big Stone Gap, Virginia Joan Smith Thornton 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday (Dec 26 ,2015) at the Norton Community Hospital in Norton VA. Joan was born in Wise County Virginia, the daughter of the late Richard and Edna Smith; Joan was a retired school teacher, having taught at Appalachia High School for 6 years, before she moved to Atlanta, where she taught for Avondale High School 29 years. She truly had a passion for educating children, her former students, and colleagues, have fond memories of their mentorship/friendship, with Mrs. Thornton.She was also a drivers education teacher for the Dekalb School System. She was a member of the Decatur Women’s Club; "Garden Div." she was the past president of the Dekalb Federation of Garden Clubs, she truly enjoyed her time within the Garden Club, and her many shared responsibilities, they were truly cherished memories in her life. She was instrumental in the annual Yellow Daisey Flower Show, at Stone Mountain Park, sponsored by the Red Bud District of Garden Clubs of Georgia. She was a member of the IOTA chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, and the Dekalb Retired Teachers Assoiciations. She was an Active Volunteer for the Callanwolde Garden Center. She was a lover of all God's small creatures, with a special fondness of cats and rescued many throughout her lifetime.. She was proceeded in death by husband; Robert F. Thornton, Sister; R.C. Smith, Brothers; Harry G. Smith, Sam Jack Smith. Survived by her Nieces Ann Smith of Big Stone Gap, Virginia and Bobby Jo Thorpe of Atlanta GA, Nancy Smith, nephews; George G. Smith of Snohomish WA, Richard Gillenwater, Mike Gillenwater, Bruce Smith, Mark Smith, and Sam Smith, and many friends. The family will receive friends on (Friday ,January 8) at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Snellville Georgia (2208 Main St, E Snellville, GA) from 12 to 2 for the visitation. The funeral service will be conducted following the visitation with the Rev. Allison Per-Lee officiating. The committal will follow in the Eternal Hills Memorial Park . Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. You may go online to view the obituary or sign the guest registry at www.holdingfuneralhome.com Holding Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thornton Family.

Mrs. Joan Smith Thornton

June 24, 1928 - December 26, 2015

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