Helen Thornton

Helen Hayes Thornton, 94, of Pauline, SC, beloved wife of 64 years to the late Graham Harold Thornton, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2016. Helen was born in Spartanburg, SC on April 17, 1922 to the late Laddie Wesley Hayes and Pearl Wyatt Hayes. She was devoted to her children and will be deeply missed by family and friends. Mrs. Thornton was a wonderful cook and enjoyed sharing her recipes with her family. Helen will be remembered as a kind, southern lady who was proud of Pauline, SC and her family. She was a member of Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church. Surviving are her daughter, Brenda Dianne Thornton of Spartanburg, SC; daughter and son-in law, Faye and Richard Waters, granddaughter, Elizabeth W. Jones and her husband J. Shannon Jones, and great-granddaughter, Lily Claire Jones, all of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by sister, Marie Stone and her husband Marshall of Hilton Head Island, SC; and nephews, Sheldon Hayes and his wife Marti of Bluffton, SC, Dr. Jeffery Lanford and his wife Dr. Robin Lanford of Greenwood, SC, and Jerry Wesley Hayes of Earlsboro, OK. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her grandson, Thomas Graham Waters; and siblings, Carrie Elizabeth Bowman, Hugh Don Hayes and Wesley Hayes. A graveside service will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Thursday, May 5, 2016, in Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery, 3119 Hwy 56, Pauline, SC 29374, by the Rev. Dr. B. E. Pettit. The family will greet friends immediately following the service in the Family Life Center at Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church, 6001 Hwy 215, Pauline, SC 29374. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church, PO Box 279, Pauline, SC 29374; or a charity of one's choice. The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Magnolia Estates in Winder, GA, where Helen resided since 2009, for their wonderful and loving care. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Helen Hayes Thornton please visit our Sympathy Store.