Our sweet mother, wife, daughter, aunt, and friend, Mary Maxine Thornton, left this world for her heavenly home on July 6, 2026.

Maxine, or Mac as she was affectionately called, was born to Ulysses and Daisy Marshall on June 5, 1931, in Pascola, MO. She grew up in the Pascola area and married Leroy Thornton on Dec. 31, 1950. They were married for 60 years. She had four children: Ron, Myra, Sherry, and Kevin, to whom she devoted her life. She took so much joy in being their mother. She was also the most wonderful Memaw to her precious grandchildren: Meladie, Brian, Taylor, Kristin, Harrison, Colin, Haydn, and Bliss, and to her seven great-grandchildren: Zach, Alysse, Eleanor, Josiah, Judahlee, Hazel, and Penelope, and her great-great-granddaughter Farah.

She pastored alongside her husband for years in Tennessee and Missouri. Maxine was a tiny woman in stature, but a mighty one in strength and character. She was known as a prayer warrior who would pray for anyone. She believed in praying for miracles, healing, provision, and forgiveness. She never believed anyone was too far gone to come back to Jesus. Her life was anchored on hope and grace for every soul, and it was her mission to love every single person into the Kingdom. It was always her honor to host the visiting ministers for dinner, cook for family and friends, and sit around the piano singing with her family. Her best friends in life were her brothers. She still talked to them daily, and they could always bring a smile to her face or pray for her when she was feeling down.

Maxine was known for her delicious cooking. Fried chicken, biscuits and gravy and chicken and dressing were among her specialties. She loved the tv show What's Happening, the Gaither Vocal Band and sharing stories of the Lord's faithfulness.

Maxine is survived by one son, Kevin Thornton, and wife Lysa of Edmond, OK; her brother Don Marshall and wife Charlotte of Kennett, MO; brother David Marshall of Wyatt, MO, and brother Paul and wife Hermalinda of Hillsdale, MI; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Thornton, son, Ron Thornton, daughter, Sherry Arnold; and daughter, Myra Hill.

Visitation will be at John W. German Funeral Home, Hayti, MO, from 6-7 pm on July 13. The funeral service will be at John W. German Funeral Home at 10 am on July 14. Graveside service will follow at Dunklin Memorial Gardens in Kennett, MO.