Obituary of June Dorene Thornton

Mrs. June Dorene Thornton, 86 went home to be with the Lord Jesus, Wednesday, October 7, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. June was born June 22, 1935 in Auburndale to Walter and Nellie Corrine (Norman) Hodge she lived most of her life in the area and loved Auburndale. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Howard E. Thornton, her parents, sisters Mary Lyons and Peggy Gary, grandson Heath Schreiber, niece Troy Hodge and nephew Curt Martin. June is survived by her sister Laverne Phillips of Polk City; brother Jimmy (Arlene) Hodge of Old Town; lifelong devoted friend Jeanette Voss of Perry, GA.; 4 daughters Debbi (Windel) Tidwell of Lakeland, Patti (James) Brown of Auburndale, Carolyn (Claude) Smith of Winter Haven and Sherri (Timmy) Brown of Lake Alfred; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren & 2 great great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless others who loved her greatly. June was a lady, devoted, adoring, wife and mother. She was a faithful student of God’s word, loved spending time with the Lord in His word, a faithful help meet and a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Auburndale for most of her life. She loved her church, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and served in the Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, singing and truly had the gift of hospitality. Mama left a lasting impression on our lives along with others and will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday, October 12th at First Missionary Baptist Church, 406 Main St., Auburndale. Visitation will be held before service from 10 until 11 am at the church. Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park.