Adrienne Yvonne Thornton

Adrienne Yvonne Thornton was born in Mangham, Louisiana to the late Carrie Lee Baker Johnson and the late Henry Johnson.  She departed this life on May 12, 2023, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana.  Preceded by death are her parents, Carrie and Henry Johnson; her spouse, John David Thornton; and her siblings, Robert Johnson, Raina Johnson, Leo Johnson, Sr., Clara Ellington, Wille Miles, Joseph Johnson, and Edward Johnson, Sr.

“Yvonne” (as most called her) grew up in Rayville, Louisiana being the youngest of nine children and the one that wanted to “stay” in Rayville.  She accepted Christ in her early years at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Rayville, Louisiana, where she remained a faithful member.  She attended Rayville Rosenwald School and graduated with the class of 1957.  After high school, her field of study was Elementary Education, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree from Grambling College (now Grambling State University). 

Her dedication was demonstrated as an educator where she taught at Delhi Junior High School (formerly Esther Toombs) for over 35 years.  Yvonne also served as a musician at the Macedonia Baptist Church starting at the age of 12.  Her “touch” was special as she would provide great words of wisdom to others by lifting their spirits and as she shared her passion for reading by embracing literacy and providing books and novels for others to read.

She leaves to cherish her memories three devoted and loving children her oldest son, Oris V. Gary, Jr. of Rayville, Louisiana; her daughter, Adrienne Latrice Ferguson of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and her youngest son, John Derrick Thornton (Kimberly) of Monroe, Louisiana; her goddaughter, Pamela Williams of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; her grandchildren and great granddaughters; her sister, Carrie Mae Williams of Shreveport, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other dear relatives and friends.

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.  Psalms 55:6

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