Marion Lou Thornberry was born March 12, 1942 in Bauxite, Arkansas. She peacefully passed away January 23, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend.

Marion led a life, dedicated to her family, church and work. She was a mother to four children and a charter member of New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church. She spent many years teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. She retired after 28 years from the supply office of what was previously Benton Services Center.

Marion loved spending time with her family and taking road trips with her husband. She made wonderful desserts and was known for her delicious chicken and dumplings.

Marion is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 63 years, Jerry Thornberry; children: daughter, Margaret Squires (Scott); son, Wayne Thornberry (Julie); daughter, Carla Kesling (Steve); daughter, Karen Merkle; her grandchildren, Amanda Squires, Jacob Squires (Sydney), Nathan Sutton (Magan), Paige Burton (Jeffrey), Nicolas Kesling, Claire Ingram (Josiah), and Samantha Merkle; great grandchildren, Lainey Squires, Kinsley Sutton, Rylie Sutton, and Caylee Sutton; brother, Darryl Harding, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marion was proceeded in death by her parents, Marie and Bill Alberson; brother, Billy Harding; aunts, Mary Griffin and Helen Howard; and grandparents, Pearl and Clifton "Pete" Crawford.

A special thanks is extended to the pallbearers:  Jeffrey Burton, Brian Harding, Josiah Ingram, Nicolas Kesling, Nathan Sutton, and Jimmy Lee Yates; honorary pallbearers, Scottie Howard and Harvey Yates.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 28 at Ashby Funeral Home with services beginning at 2:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at Peeler Bend Cemetery.

The family would like to acknowledge Saline Memorial Hospital and Gentiva Hospice for their care and compassion.

On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.