January 10, 2025, 92, Goldsboro —
Edna Mae Ingram Thornton, 92, answered the Lord’s call and entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 10, 2025. Edna was born in Wayne County to the late Raymond Carlton Ingram and Bessie Lee Howell Ingram on December 9, 1932. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Dillon Thornton; infant daughter, Iris Lynette Thornton; sisters, Jean Mills, Dale Lewis, and Gale Ingram; brother, Carroll Ingram; and a special nephew, Randy Mills.
Edna was owner and operator of Five Points Beauty Salon for over 20 years. She enjoyed her customers and gained many long lasting friendships.
With a great love for her Lord, Edna was a constant presence in her congregation at Eureka Christian Church. Participating in ministry there for as long as she was able, she was invested in spreading the love of God to all she met.
For Edna, there was no greater blessing than that of her family. The love she had for Tom knew no bounds, and she is no doubt relishing in their reunion. Her children were cherished, and their spouses received the same affection. Each grandchild held a special place in her heart, and she loved each one dearly, as well as her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Eureka Christian Church Fellowship Hall (2036 Dobbersville Road, Mt. Olive, NC). Visitation will be followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with Pastor Todd Massey and Pastor Frank Purvis officiating. Interment will be in the Grady Family Cemetery.
Edna is survived by her son, Dillon Thornton and wife, Becky of Raleigh; daughter, Lee Ann Best and husband, Johnnie of Grantham; grandchildren, D.R. Thornton (Teri), Lisa Reedy (Channing), Brian Best (Josie), Danny Thornton (Patricia), Kevin Best (Michele), Stephanie Cooper (Will) and George Thornton (Kaitlyn); eleven great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Ingram; brother-in-law, Allen Lewis; and several nieces and nephews she loved very much.
We would like to give a very special thank you to the wonderful staff at Helping Hands for the love and care they provided for Edna during her declining health and final days. Simple words cannot express our gratitude. Also a thank you to 3HC Hospice who cared for her over these last few weeks.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given to Dementia Alliance, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27615 or to Helping Hands Assisted Living Facility, PO Box 2112, Goldsboro, NC 27533.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
