Gwendolyn Thornton

Bloomington-
Gwendolyn "Mama Gwen" Thornton, 79, of Bloomington, passed away
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical
Center in Normal. Funeral services will be held on Saturday,
November 10, 2012 at 11 am at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in
Bloomington with Rev. Frank L Mcswain Sr officiating.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 9, 2012 at
Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington from 6-8 pm and
from 10-11 am at the church on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be directed to the family in Gwendolyn's name.
The family of Gwendolyn has entrusted the care of their loved one
to Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington.

Gwendolyn was born to the union of
Booker T. and Minnie (Thompson) Meaders on November 17, 1932 in
Bloomington. She married Henry E. Thornton on March 4, 1961 in
Bloomington, he preceded her in death on
September 12, 1972.

She leaves behind to cherish her
memory, her children, Muriel Thornton of Bloomington, Alice Moss
(Greg Hutson) of Arrowsmith, Jackquice (William) Mitchell of
Bloomington, Donna Thornton (James Greene) of Bloomington, Quinn
(Brenda) Thornton of Bloomington, Derrick Thornton of Florida, Ina
Joy Carter of Birmingham, AL; step-children, Johnny Brown, and Ruby
Diles both of Birmingham, AL; four God-children, Kimberly Anderson,
James Anderson, Beverly Gay, Bobbi Kess. 41 Grandchildren, 51 Great
Grandchildren and 8 Great-Great grandchildren; devoted nieces Marty
Thornton,Michelle Thompson and Phyllis Owensby; nephews Randall and
Gregory Thompson, a host of great-nieces and nephews and in-laws
that were always dear to her heart.

In addition to her husband Henry,
Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Michael
"Fritzie"
Thornton, grandsons, Darren "D.T." Thornton and Ronald "J.B."
Thornton, a great-grandson, Malachi Thornton, one brother,Arthur
"Skeets" Thompson, one sister, Marion Thompson, an uncle, Fred
"Cabbage"
Johnson, and one nephew Michael "Mikey" Thompson.

Gwendolyn graduated from
Bloomington High School; she worked for General Electric, Illinois
State University and later worked for State Farm Insurance. She was
a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Bloomington. She
served as Superintendent of Sunday school, Lilly of the Valley,
President of the Pastor's Aide, Kitchen Committee, Deaconess and
was on the Mother's Board of the Church. She was also a member of
the Progressive Women's Club of Bloomington.

Mama Gwen enjoyed serving in the
church, cooking, hosting dinner parties and she enjoyed shopping
and had an eye for fashion. She also loved wearing and collecting
hats. Gwen was a mother to everyone and loved spending time with
her family -- her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and
great-great grandchildren were her pride and joy. She also enjoyed
sending cards and corresponding by telephone with family and
friends near and far.

Online condolences may be sent to
the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gwendolyn "Mama Gwen" Thornton, please visit our floral store.