Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Mattie Ann (Trissy) Thornton, 85

Mattie Ann (Trissy) Thornton, 85, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away on January 19, 2021 at White River Medical Center in Batesville. She was a victim of COVID-19. She was born in Hope on August 23, 1935 to the late Tony Thomas Rowe and Myrtle Symoura Rowe. She lived most of her life in Arkansas. Prior to Heber Springs, she lived in Fairfield Bay for five years.

Trissy was a loving wife, mother, and nana. In addition to her being a homemaker, she worked as a secretary at Benton High School and as the secretary for the former Lieutenant Governor Joe Purcell. Her greatest joy in her professional life, however, was being a GED Examiner for the State of Arkansas. Besides spending time with her family and friends, she enjoyed crafting, flowers, and hummingbirds.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 50 years, Bobby Lee Thornton, and her brother, Thomas Ray Rowe.

She leaves behind her sister, Reba Rowe Ray of Nashville; her daughters, Dealia Ann (Dee) Yancey (Ted Hood, Jr.) of Fairfield Bay, and Le Byers (Jerry Davidson) of Conway. She was lovingly known as Nana to her three beautiful granddaughters: Sarah Yancey of Knoxville, TN, Amber Leigh Copeland of Conway, and Alei Rice (Josh) of Maumelle. Her great-grandson, Alexander Lamb, was the apple of her eye.

Trissy will be buried with her late husband at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. A memorial service will be planned at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Fairfield Bay Library (369 Dave Creek Parkway, Fairfield Bay, AR 72088).

Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400

6 Comments

  • Regina Wolfe Owen Posted January 25, 2021 1:38 PM

    Trissy was always full of life, always smiling, and included me in her family as if I was “blood kin”!
    I know she will be greatly missed! Her family will be in my prayers.

  • Jo Williams Posted January 25, 2021 4:09 PM

    Ms. Trissy was a delight, she had a way to make you laugh even when you didn’t feel like it. I will forever cherish the memories I have of her. She was so loving, and spoke of her family so much I felt like I knew all of them. Ms. Dee I am sending much love to you , I want to thank you for sharing your precious mom with me

  • LaTrina Maez Posted January 25, 2021 6:26 PM

    It was a pleasure knowing Mrs. Mattie for the past 5 years. She was priceless!

  • Jim Bonita Truitt Posted January 26, 2021 3:22 PM

    Dee,
    I met your beautiful mother for a brief moment. I loved her instantly! You were her pride & joy, as was Sarah. You have been in our prayers & rejoice in knowing that she is no longer suffering. Know that Jim & I love you! Ted, thank you for being there for/with Dee. God be with you in this journey.

  • Bittany Maxwell Posted January 27, 2021 12:35 PM

    Trissy bug I LOVE YOU. I have missed you dearly and have thought of you often. Such a beautiful Angel the Lord has recieved.

  • LeeAnn Hannah Posted January 27, 2021 9:21 PM

    I have such fond memories of caring for Trissy and the loving talks we had. She had such a kind heart and was so compassionate. I will miss you, Trissy

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