Ms. Mae Thelma McCluster Thornton

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. Ecclesiastes 3:1-5 (KJV)

Ms. Mae Thelma Thornton, “Tunnie”, was on born July 16, 1951, in Preston, Georgia. She was the second eldest of eight children born to Mr. Jimmie McCluster and Mrs. Rosie Lee McCluster.

She received her education through the Webster County public school system, graduating from Ida S. Lowery School in 1969. She further pursued her education at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in 1973.

Upon graduating, Thelma became a teacher for the Webster County School District. She later found her niche as a licensed social worker and was employed with Stewart County. Later, Thelma transitioned into working as a mental health social worker with West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, where she retired after working collectively for the State of Georgia for thirty years.

Since 1960, Thelma was an active member of Greater Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a member of the choir and was the choir’s secretary. Sewing was one of her favorite hobbies. She took pride in her plants as an avid gardener and was known to have a “green thumb”.  On weekends, you could find her searching for yard sales or perusing antique stores.  Thelma also enjoyed quiet time at home and found great joy in spending precious time with her grandchildren. Thelma will always be remembered for her tenacious spirit and great sense of humor.

Other than her parents, her brother, Jimmie McCluster, Jr.; and her sister, Sylvia Simmons, preceded her in death.

Our beloved Thelma leaves to cherish her memories: her four children, Ms. Karnese Thornton, Ms. Kelsey Thornton, Ms. Kimberly Thornton, and Mr. Richard Thornton; her sister, Mrs. Bernice Ivory; her four brothers, Mr. Willie McCluster, Bishop Melvin McCluster (Shermeanetter), Mr. Jonah McCluster, and Mr. Nathaniel McCluster (Carla); her four grandchildren, Alora Ford, Jamar Green, Kayloni Thornton, and Kelly Lynch; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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