Ms. Debbie Joyce Thornton

Ms. Debbie Joyce Thornton Debbie Thornton was born on September 30, 1958 to the late Viola Simon Hayes Green and Neal Hardy in Orange, Texas. She was then adopted by the late Deloris Simon Thornton Texada and Curlen Thornton. She was a resident of Palmetto, LA. She accepted Christ at an early age at St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. F.R. Green. She later joined and began a member of New Pilgrim Baptist Church. She graduated from Palmetto High in 1975. Debbie later married Michael Brown. To this union a daughter, Samantha was born. On March 1, 1987, she gave birth to her twin daughters, Cassandra and Amanda, giving her the nickname “Twin Momma”. Debbie then went to the University of Louisiana Lafayette (formerly known as USL) completing her bachelor’s degree in Education in 1990. She became a teacher for the St. Landry Parish School System where she taught Special Education for 20 years. Her love for scholarship and service led her to pledge Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated in Spring 1992. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 7, 2022 at New Pilgrim Baptist Church, 132 Guidry Road, in Palmetto, LA 71358, for Mrs. Debbie Joyce Thornton, 63, who entered eternal rest, Sunday, May 1, 2022 at her residence in Palmetto, LA. Interment will be in St. John Baptist Church Cemetery in the community of Bolden. Pastor Darrell Sampson will officiate the services. Debbie leaves to mourn her twins, Amanda Thornton-Andrus (Yolanda) and Cassandra Thornton Kennerson (Cedrick); one sister, Katherine Hayes-Smith; three brothers, Joe Nathan Hayes (Denise), John Henry Veil (Tracy) and James “Free” Freeman Green (Sandra). Debbie is a proud grandmother of three biological grandchildren, Jaleel Richard, Liam Thornton and Bella Offord; five step grandchildren, Javona Bolden, Caileigh Kennerson, Tybois Currette, Jr., Taylor Currette and Marleigh Kennerson; two best friends, Trudy Robinson and Karen Steele and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She is proceeded in death by her daughter, Samantha Brown; mothers, Deloris Simon Thornton Texada and Viola Simon Hayes Green; fathers, Curlen Thornton and Neal Hardy, three brothers, Herbert Veil, Gregory Al Vincent Hayes and Johnell Hayes; one sister, Brenda Gail Green Tanner and her best friend, Denise Rose. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Dialysis Inc, of Opelousas. Visiting hours will be observed from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Saturday, May 7, 2022 at New Pilgrim Baptist Church, 132 Guidry Road, Palmetto, LA 71358. Share words of comfort with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.

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Ms. Debbie Joyce Thornton

September 30, 1958 - May 1, 2022