Jean Hill Thornton

Jean Hill Thornton went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 27th, 2025. She was born in Wayne County to the late Willie and Inez Hill. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by the love of her life, Ray Thornton, and five brothers; Wendell Hill, Bill Hill, A.T. Hill, Curtis Hill, and Cecil Hill.

Jean and Ray were married on July 11, 1959 and they were blessed with 61 years of marriage before Ray passed away in 2021 with ALS.

Jean loved her family dearly and enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time at their beach home. She loved taking her granddaughters with her to the beach. In her later years, she especially enjoyed playing with and loving on her great grandchildren.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Garner and has served as a deacon and member of Ida-Joy Bible Study.

Jean is survived by two sons, Scott (Dena) and Tracy (Teresa), sister Margaret Pipkin, of Wake Forest; four granddaughters, Jill Gaddy (Stuart), Jana Eason (Matt), Jenni Hovis (Martin), Jessie Edmisten (Lucas), nine great grandchildren, Rose, Jack, Sarah Gaddy, Jordan, Turner Eason, Thornton, Wells, Jameson Hovis, Reese Edmisten.

A special thank you to the caring and heartfelt staff of Transitions LifeCare that provided Jean with attentive and gentle care.

Flowers are welcome, or, memorial contributions may be made to ALS United North Carolina or First Presbyterian Church of Garner.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 3rd, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner Chapel, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC, 27529. Entombment will follow the service at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.