July 21, 2024, 83, Goldsboro —

Ann Parks Thornton, 83 entered her heavenly home and joined her son, Richard Clayton Wise on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Ann was born in Wayne County to the late Mark Hodges Parks and Margie West Parks on April 17, 1941. In addition to her parents, and son, Richard, she was preceded in death by her brother, Edwin Hodges Parks, and sister, Peggy Yelverton Parks.

Ann was a valued employee of the Neuse Correctional Facility in Goldsboro for many years. God was always first in Ann’s life, above all else. Her church and church family were very important to her. Faith Free Will Baptist Church was home for her and she loved to use her gifts and talents there for the Lord.

Devoted to her family, Ann was a constant companion and the best of friends with her husband, Billy. She beamed with pride at the successes of their daughter, Lisa, and was her biggest supporter throughout life.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in the mausoleum chapel in Wayne Memorial Park with Pastor Walter Sloan officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery.

Ann is survived by her husband of 54 years, Billy Aaron Thornton; daughter, Lisa Thornton Cerasi, and husband, Mike of Fuquay Varina; grandchild, Casey Cerasi; and sister, Kay Parks Waters and husband, Bud of Goldsboro.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to Faith Free Will Baptist Church, 1200 W. Grantham Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.