Zerelda Joyce Thornton, age 66 passed away peacefully at Christus Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas on July 1,2021 at 8:23 p.m.

Our family lost a light on Thursday, July 1,2021 when Mrs. Zerelda Joyce Thornton was called home. Her jokes and laughter were a beacon of sunshine in our family. Zerelda wanted to be remembered by all as she was to them in life, all smiles and jokes.

Zerelda Thornton's Facebook page will remain open. All are welcome to post memories and final words to her there.

She wishes to spend eternity among the surroundings in which she grew up, so her ashes will be spread at a later date.

Zerelda was born July 20, 1954 to Birtha Lee Coats and Johnnie Coats in Marshall, Texas. She attended Pemberton High School in Marshall, Texas and El Centroid College in Dallas, Texas where she studied Culinary Arts. She worked as a Pastry Chef at a number of hospitals before retiring.

She leaves behind, a husband, Bobbie Joe Thornton; three sisters, Joeann McCrary, Bobbie Washington and Ann Coats; and a host of nieces and nephews.