My heart full felt condolences on Mommy T.’s passing. I still remember fondly how freely she expressed her love and she truly cared. I met her once or twice for Merle’s and Joseph’s golden wedding anniversary 2004 at their residence on the Rappahannock River. My daughter Amalia (Merle’s great grandchild) who was 4 months old was with us. Merle and Joseph were a special couple. So appreciative to have the chance to meet them.

Merle was one sweet kind loving and gentle lady that I have ever met she always had a smile on her face Merle and Mr Thornton when I would go there taught me so much about hummingbirds I used to love to hear his stories about him I remember one time calling and Merle answered the phone and she goes hello Hummer and when she found it it was me that she was laughing and saying she was she does that to her son and want one of her sons when they call I know her and Mr Thornton are together and having they were united and I know they’re both smiling down upon the family and friends I love you Merle I miss you but I know you are okay now