Peggy Thornton passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of those who meant the most to her. She was born on September 24, 1952, to the late Doris McBay Buchanan.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 22 East 4th Avenue, Bay Springs, MS, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Bezer Cemetery in Raleigh, MS.

Peggy dedicated 17 years of service to East Central Planning and Development, where she faithfully served her community. After leaving her career there, she felt God leading her in a different direction. She opened her heart and home to foster children, providing love, stability, and hope to countless young lives. Caring for others was simply who Peggy was.

For 54 wonderful years, Peggy shared life with the love of her life, Kenneth Dale Thornton. While the rest of the world knew him as Dale, Peggy lovingly—and often loudly—called him “Damn Dale,” a nickname that became just another part of their beautiful love story. Their marriage was built on unwavering devotion, laughter, and a lifetime of memories.

Peggy never missed an opportunity to tease and joke with her beloved sister, Diane Bretz. Their bond was one of laughter, love, and lifelong friendship. As Peggy’s health gradually declined, she remained forever grateful for the compassionate care Diane gave her, a gift of love Peggy treasured deeply.

The kitchen was Peggy’s happy place. Her family will forever remember the countless home-cooked meals she lovingly prepared and the way she brought everyone together around the table. Feeding those she loved was one of the many ways she showed her affection.

Above all else, Peggy’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was raising her daughter/granddaughter, Ava Thornton. Ava was the light of Peggy’s life, and there was nothing she loved more than being “Mama.” Peggy wanted Ava to always know: “Mama will always love you and will be watching over you.”

Peggy leaves behind a special message for her godson Allen McCluskey, who she affectionately called Bubba. “Thank you for being the son I never had. Always remember Eve and I have you covered from both ends now.”

Peggy leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Kenneth Dale “Damn Dale” Thornton; her beloved sister, Diane Bretz; her precious daughter/granddaughter, Ava Thornton; her son, Diego Diaz; her cherished godson, Allen “Bubba” McCluskey (Caity); and her unborn grandson, Fischer McCluskey.

Before her passing, Peggy left one final message for her dear friend, Dana Hendry:

“Dana, thank you for loving my girl the way I do and being another mother to her. I have enjoyed our many years of dance together. I’m afraid the time has come to say our goodbyes. This is my final curtain call. Please take care of my Ava for me.”

Serving as pallbearers will be Allen McCluskey, Easton Anderson, Mason Stringer, Corey Parker, Chris Shelby, and Matt McCool. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Tony Saterfiel.

Peggy lived life on her own terms—with grit, laughter, stubbornness, generosity, and a heart that loved fiercely. She would want everyone to remember her exactly as she was.

And in true Peggy fashion, she wanted everyone to always remember that she was “the meanest woman in Jasper County.”

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.coloinialchapelbaysprings.com