Geraldine Thornton, 98, of Raleigh, MS passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023 at the Comfort Care Nursing Center in Laurel, Mississippi. She was born Sunday, December 27, 1925 in Laurel, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Sylvarena, MS. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM. The burial will then take place in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Lower Cemetery. Bro. Stanley Downs and Bro. Thomas Sanders will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181

Geraldine was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church where she faithfully served as a ladies Sunday School Teacher for 70 years. She was also well known in the community for her skills as a seamstress. She especially excelled in quilt-making and arts and crafts. Geraldine was also a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She found great joy in spending time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, R.O. Thornton; father, Oscar Montgomery; mother, Alice Polk Smith; brother, Orlon Montgomery; sisters, Catherine Clark, Betty Scott, Mary Jo Williams; granddaughter, Jessica Lee.

Survivors include her sons, Donald Thornton (Marie) and Roy Thornton; daughters, Sheri Shelden (Mike) and Susan Moore (Terry); brother, Oscar Montgomery Jr.; sisters, Lucille Davis and Rachel Baygent; Eight Grandchildren, Twelve Great Grandchildren and Two Great-Great Grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Piney Shelden, Ryan Shelden, Reggie Thornton, Mark Hammons, Shawn Sullivan, and Jacob Sullivan.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com