Sylvia Montene (Thornburg) Henderson

Sylvia Montene Thornburg Henderson, 88 of Newton, known to her family and friends as Tina, and grandchildren as TinaMa, passed away on January 26. Her warm and loving spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Tina was born on July 23, 1934 in Newton to the late Freeman Eugene and the late Dorothy Miller Thornburg. She married the late Earl Lane of Newton and together they had one child, Stephen Eugene Lane. She was predeceased by husbands James Low of Orlando and Michael Henderson of Knoxville, and sisters Doris Hurley and Priscilla Matthews of Newton.

Tina had a heart for adventure and exploration, which was reflected in her life experiences. She worked in various occupations before becoming involved in the hotel service and management industry, which became her lifelong passion. Tina worked for several prestigious hotel franchises over 38 years, with twenty of those years spent as the director of sales and marketing at the Howard Johnson’s; and later, the Holiday Inn of Statesville. Following her retirement from the hotel field, she worked part time as a receptionist for Souther Designer Cabinets in Statesville.

Traveling was another of Tina’s passions. Over her life as an Air Force wife and in her positions in the hotel industry, she visited all 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as 38 countries in her life, including living in Germany, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Tina enjoyed dancing, being tokened as Tango Tina, crossword puzzles, playing cards, singing, playing the piano, watching sunsets, and spending time with family and friends. She possessed an outgoing personality and adventurous spirit, enjoying meeting people and exploring new activities. Through her years in hotel service, Tina met many celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Judy Garland. In her later years, Tina volunteered and supported many charities, and had a special love for animals, providing shelter to abandoned dogs and cats and helping to place them with loving families.

Tina will be remembered for her joy, kindness, bright spirit, and infectious laugh. She is survived by her son, Stephen Lane (Terri), three grandchildren, Justin Lane-Brady (Tommy), Elliot Lane (Tannyha), and Stephanie Lane (Cameron); three great-grandchildren, Leo Lane-Brady, Liam Lane, and Noah Lane; and two nieces, Vivian Souther (Ricky) and Martha Leatherman (Ron).

A graveside ceremony will be held at 1:00 pm on February 18 at Eastside Cemetery in Newton officiated by Chaplain Bruce Dayton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army of Hickory.