Carolyn Ann Dunn Malone Thornton

Carolyn Ann Dunn Malone Thornton, 86, the beloved matriarch and heart of our family, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loved ones on Christmas Day. Born in Paris, Texas, Carolyn discovered her passions in life at a very young age: family, sports, animals, and cooking.

As the eldest of three children, she quickly developed her fun-loving, maternal nature by taking care of her younger siblings. She always learned new recipes to cook for the family, patched up any scrapes from biking and skating in the neighborhood, cared for their animals, and proved she was meant to be a mom. Carolyn went on to have six children, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many beloved pets of her own. Her family was nothing short of her greatest accomplishment.

Carolyn worked hard to support her family as a customer service representative for Blue Cross Blue Shield for twenty-five years, and after retiring, she followed her passion to the Texas Rangers Ballpark. For six years, Carolyn's eyes sparkled with excitement on the job as she was able to watch her favorite team compete up close. She recently completed a bucket list item of watching the Texas Rangers win the World Series for the first time; however, you could see her just as excited watching a high school football game on a Friday night or cheering for future Rangers at a little league baseball game. She even found a way to bridge the divide and proudly support both UT and A&M, the alma maters of two of her grandchildren. While she loved the thrill of a game, she also found delight in the quieter, simpler moments like tending to her blooming plants and herb garden, feeding birds and squirrels, and sitting in the sun on her patio to watch the neighborhood happenings. Her perfect day was spent at home solving puzzles,

playing cards, and indulging in her favorite soap operas, courtroom dramas like Perry Mason and Matlock, and reality shows like Wheel of Fortune, Survivor, Big Brother, and Amazing Race.

Carolyn thrived on connecting with others and desired nothing more than being around her loved ones - both furry and human. The holiday season was particularly special to Carolyn as it meant family outings to Six Flags, Medieval Times, Arbor Daze, and the simple pleasure of driving around to admire Christmas lights and fireworks. She would never fail to go above and beyond to make these gatherings special. You could guarantee any table she set wouldn’t be complete without green beans, pumpkin bread, and her famous chocolate peanuts. When the family couldn’t help but finish all the treats, Carolyn would sneak away to whip up another batch to make sure no neighbors, friends, or employees at the nearby Krogers were left empty-handed.

She always wanted everyone to feel included and important. Carolyn would not miss the opportunity to send a daily good morning text to wish you a wonderful day or purchase something for you at the store that reminded her of you. She loved to make someone’s day and would often tell her family that the one thing she learned in her life is that you are not completely happy without a smile.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey ‘Sonny’ Thornton; mother, Louise Dunn; father, S.A. Dunn; sister, Patricia Patterson; and granddaughter, Jennifer Blair Malone. She is survived by her brother, Steve Dunn and wife Lawanna; children, John Brian Malone and wife Jennifer, Bruce Malone, Phyllis Virattanajun, Michelle Lambert and husband Joseph, Pam Cantrell and husband Gary, and Michael Malone; grandchildren, Joy Virattanajun, Jillian Malone, Paige Lambert, Jamie Malone, John Brett Malone, Benjamin Lambert, Catherine Soliz and husband Anthony, and Jennifer Lambert; great-grandchildren, Ryley Garcia and Niko Soliz; as well as numerous beloved friends and extended family members including Wayne Malone, Jim Malone, and Lindsey Malone.

It would take a novel to even scratch the surface of what Carolyn meant to all of us. Her daughter, Phyllis, said it best, “she was everything good on this Earth.” We will remember and honor her each day as we catch glimpses of her and her favorite things in our lives. We will remember Carolyn as we watch planes take flight. We will remember Carolyn when we hear someone yell out “Bingo!” with glee. We will remember Carolyn when we see someone smile at us with pretty pink lipstick. We will remember Carolyn on those days when we need a little retail therapy. We will remember Carolyn when we dance like nobody's watching. We will always remember Carolyn.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 6-8 PM with a Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Thursday, January 4, 2024, beginning at 10 AM with a graveside service at 11 AM. All funeral services will be held at Calvary Hill Funeral Home (3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, Texas 75220).