Frankie Lanell Thornton

Frankie Lanell (Hurst) Thornton, 82, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, March 16, 2025. She was born on August 14, 1942, in Greensburg, Louisiana, to Frank James and Maudie Pope (Brabham) Hurst.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, Frankie’s journey of love and adventure began when she met Joe Ben Thornton. They were united in marriage on August 17, 1962, in Waukegan, Illinois, and shared a life together until Joe's passing in 2021. During their time together, Frankie lived in a variety of places, including Rota, Spain; Endicott, New York; Amarillo, Lubbock, Austin, Cypress, Elgin, Temple, Texas; Pensacola, Florida; Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Virginia; Summerville, Rock Hill, Goose Creek, South Carolina; Mountain View, California; Bremerton, Washington; and Newport, Rhode Island.

She was a graduate of Tascosa High School in Amarillo, Texas, and found joy in a variety of pursuits throughout her life. Frankie was an active member of an online prayer group and bible study. She found peace and inspiration in her faith. Her love for the beach was profound, and she delighted in searching for shells and driftwood during visits. Crafting was another passion, as was her spirited enjoyment of gambling, including playing the lottery, going on casino trips, and playing bingo. Above all, Frankie cherished the time spent with friends and family, making lasting memories with those she loved.

Frankie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Maudie Hurst; her beloved husband, Joe Ben Thornton; her granddaughters, Sierra and Sydnee Thornton; and her brother, Bobby Dale Hurst.

She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Lanell Beshears and her husband, Gene; her son, James Michael Thornton and his wife, Tonya; her sisters, Sylvia Dorsey and Jimmie Dixon and her husband, Bob; her brothers, James Hurst, Ron Pope and his wife, Nicki; and her grandchildren, Megan Williams, Morgan Thornton, Serenity Thornton, Shane Beshears, Garrett Beshears, Joe Beshears, and Wesley Beshears; 6 great granddaughters; 2 great grandsons; several nieces, nephews, cousins, lifetime girlfriends from Amarillo; and too many other friends to mention.

A celebration of Frankie’s life will be held at a later date. Her warmth, love, and joy will be deeply missed by all who knew her.