Merle Poynor Thornton

Merle “Annie” Thornton, 102, passed peacefully at Mease Hospital in Dunedin, Florida, on Monday, March 9, 2020. Known as Mommy T., Mrs. Thornton took care of children, both in her home, at preschools, and   Quantico Marine Base, Va. After growing up on a poultry farm in Bowling Green, she was a 41-year resident of Port Royal on the Rappahannock River with her husband of 68 years, the late Joseph D. Thornton. She loved her family, gardening, and fishing. Merle is survived by her sons, Joseph D. (Pat), and William H. (Susan), as well as five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m., at Salem Baptist Church, 24032 Sparta Road, Milford, Va. Donations will be accepted at Mease Foundation, www.mortonplantmeasefoundation.orgor www.salembaptist.org. Online condolences at www.storkefuneralhome.com