Helen Marie Lucas Thornton

Abingdon, VA - Helen Marie Lucas Thornton, 82, passed away on April 18, 2017, at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, Virginia. Born April 23, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Stella Lucas of Radford, Virginia. A graduate of Radford College, she served the Commonwealth for 36 years as an elementary school teacher, special education teacher, and assistant principal in counties across Southwestern Virginia. A member of Seven Mile Ford Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Thornton has also been a faithful Sunday School teacher, lay speaker, and elder.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Rev. Robert S. Thornton; three children, Dr. Anthony J. Thornton, Julia T. Baldwin, Joel P. Thornton and wife, Denise; two beloved grandchildren, Brad Roller and Emily Thornton; many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family; and special family friend Jeffrey Simons.

Mrs. Thornton was preceded in death by sister Catherine Goad, sister Mary Draper, brother-in-law Hugh Draper, nephew Timothy Draper, and son-in-law Alan Baldwin.

A Memorial Service will be held at Farris Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA at 11 o’clock on Saturday, April 22. The committal will follow for the family at Westview Cemetery in Radford, Virginia.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.

The Thornton family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.