Mavis was born in Eden, MS on April 11, 1927, and she passed away peacefully at home in Terry, MS with her family on July 4, 2024, at the age of 97 years.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Bonnye M. Wood (Albert), Shanna M. Adams (James), Marvin C. Porter Jr, Malcolm C. Porter (Jessica), and Steve Thornton; great grandchildren,  Alexis Thornton, Dalton Thornton, Lauryn K. Bagley (Lathan), Cullen D. Wood, Anna Grace Adams, Kazzye Kaye Wood, Christina A. Story (Caleb), Ashley E Hamblin (John), Kendall Porter;  and one great-great grandchild, Lawson Bagley. She adopted and loved several other grandchildren, Angel McDonough, Molly F. McDonough, Nelson T. McDonough, Teresa Porter, Stephanie Porter, Angel P. Smith and all of their children. She had multiple nieces and nephews whom she adored and loved greatly.

Mavis is preceded in death by her parents, Eli and Emma J. McGinty; all seven of her siblings, Florence Elizabeth, Rosa Lee, Eli III, Flora, James, Kathleen and Myrtle; her husband Lt. Col. James M. Thornton; three children, Henry G. Thornton, Nancy T. Porter, and Brian Thornton; granddaughter, Mavis Porter; and great grandson, Austin Kinsey.

Mavis lived in Bentonia and Scotland, MS during her childhood and teen years.  She married James Thornton and lived in Jackson for 65 years, the place where she raised her family. She went to nursing school after her husband retired from the Army and worked for 33 years at Baptist Hospital.  She served on the MS Board of Nursing for a couple of years.  She was a member of Levell Wood United Methodist Church and was also an active member of the United Methodist Women where she did community outreach.  She is best known for her kindness, giving nature, selflessness, big heart, and a Christian above all else.  She will be so dearly missed.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:  Visitation, Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 1:00pm, funeral will follow at 2:00pm both at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton.  Mavis will be buried at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson at 3:00pm.

The grandchildren would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers, Nelson and Rhia McDonough, that unselfishly cared for our grandmother over the past few years.  Also, Heart of Hospice for their unwavering support and care over the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Heart of Hospice.                                      Website: www.lhcgroup.com/foundation Click on "Become a Hero."