Eva Colleen Elliott Thornton

Eva Colleen Elliott Thornton ("Good Littles"), age 85 of Henry passed away Monday, August 19 after an extended illness. Born in Martinsville on July 13, 1928, she was the daughter of Alma H. Elliott and James N. Elliott. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Booker A. Thornton, Jr. She is survived by her beloved dog, Punkin; son, William E. Thornton and Sharan Williams of Roanoke; son, Barry A. Thornton and Brenda Thornton of Hardy; daughter, Kerri L. Thornton of Roanoke; grandson, Andrew Thornton and wife Nicole; grandson, Craig Thornton; granddaughter, Lera Thornton; sister, Juanita "Cookie" Bladen; brothers, Larry J. Elliott, Gail Lee Elliott, and Harold Gumm; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sister, Mary F. "Mickey" Cohen; and brother, Bill Elliott. Colleen was a manager with C & P Telephone Company through the mid-1950s, traveling throughout Virginia in a period when female managers were unusual. She later worked for Thornton's Bakery, and retired from the textile industry. She was the "heart" of her family, and loved cooking, reading, and gardening. With an avid interest in genealogy, she authored and edited the Thornton Family Association's newsletter for over thirty years. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 21 from 5 until 7 p.m. at Flora Funeral Home in Rocky Mount, Virginia. A graveside service will be held for family and friends at the Thornton Family Cemetery in Henry, Virginia on Thursday, August 22 at 11 a.m.