Private Family graveside services were held for Ms. Colleen Thornton, age 93, who was born April 1,1930, and died on May 17,2023.She was a lifelong resident of Gadsden Alabama. She was a 1948 graduate of Emma Sansom High School.and returned to college in 1967 to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She graduated from Gadsden State Junior College in 1970 then transferred to The University of Alabama Birmingham and received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1973,and her Masters of Arts in Education in 1975. She was inducted into KAPPA DELTA PI and UAB Alumni and Honor Society in Education on May 3rd,1973. Mrs. Thornton was a member of the National Education Association with a life certificate,Alabama Education Association,Gadsden Retired Teachers Association of Etowah County. She was an active member of Christ Central Church of Gadsden, and belonged to The United Methodist Women,The Willing Workers Sunday School Class,Tomalot Sr. Adult Ministry and The Choir.

In 2001 Colleen Thornton was chosen Mrs. Senior Etowah, and she enjoyed singing and performing all over the County. She loved her family,her church and her friends. She loved traveling during her years of teaching in the summer when school was out. She devoted many years to providing,loving and tender care for her mother.

She was preceded in death by her son Charles"Charlie" Eugene Thornton II, father Rufus Eric Simpson and her mother Mable Thompson Simpson Cornutt.She is survived by her daughter Rita Thornton,Gadsden,and son Mark Thornton,Gadsden. Her grandsons are Scott Thornton, Anniston,Joshua Thornton Alexandria Alalabama,  granddaughter Teela Bonner,Chandler Mountain,two great granddaughters Aubrey Bonner,Chandler Mountain,Kamryn Bonner Chandler Mountain, a brother and sister in law Elmer and Peggy Simpson of Huntsville Alabama and a number of nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Coosa Valley Healthcare and Jacob Millican Law who cared for her in her final days.