In Loving Memory

Margaret Thornton

October 21, 1937 — July 28, 2026

Carrie "Margaret" Thornton, 88, a resident of Bridgewater Retirement Community in Bridgewater, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 21, 1937, in Keokee, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Troy Clifford Bailey and Ruby Harber Bailey. She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Earl A. Thornton, Ph.D., whom she married in 1962; her daughter, Laura Ann Thornton, Esq. (husband, J. Allan Valade); her son, Charles Steven Thornton (husband, Maikel Cisneros-Thornton); her siblings, Linda Carol Bailey and David Neil Bailey (wife, Nancy Bailey); her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Gardner (husband, Danny Massey); her brothers-in-law, John S. Thornton (wife, Sandra Thornton) and Dr. Richard L.M. Coleman; her nieces and nephew; and great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Janeth E. Coleman; and her nephew, Seth Bailey. Margaret graduated from Radford College in 1959 with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught sixth grade in Salem, Virginia; Norwood, Ohio; and Portsmouth, Virginia. After the birth of her daughter in 1965, she devoted herself full-time to caring for her family. A faithful member of the United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, Margaret actively served the congregations at Centenary UMC in Portsmouth, Aldersgate UMC in Charlottesville, and Dayton UMC in the Shenandoah Valley. She taught Sunday school, managed church libraries, participated in women's groups, and generously volunteered in numerous other church ministries. Her quiet faith and generous heart touched the lives of many. Margaret also had a lifelong passion for gardening. She was an accomplished Master Gardener who cultivated beautiful flower and vegetable gardens throughout her life. She served as president and other official roles in the Tyre Neck Garden Club in Chesapeake, the Monticello Garden Club of Charlottesville, and the Spotswood Garden Club in Harrisonburg. Margaret will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kind heart, and unwavering care for others. Her friends knew her as a gracious, easygoing, and compassionate woman-a "true blue" friend in every sense of the phrase. Her family was blessed to know and love those same qualities every day.

Funeral Program

Service Details

Lantz Chapel Bridgewater Retirement Community Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Order of Service

WelcomeChaplain Russ Barb

Opening PrayerChaplain Russ Barb

HymnBlessed Assurance

Scripture ReadingProverbs 31:10

HymnLet There Be Peace on Earth

Words of RemembranceEarl, Laura, and Steve Thornton

EulogyChaplain Russ Barb

Closing PrayerChaplain Russ Barb

BenedictionChaplain Russ Barb

Proverbs 31:10

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Special Thanks

Earl, Laura, and Steve wish to thank the nurses and staff of "Tranquility House" for their loving care of Margaret in her last year and to extend their heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, support, and kindness during this time.

Cherished Memories