Alice Joan Thornton

McMinnville, TN resident and Traverse City, MI native Alice Joan Thornton, age 86, was born May 26, 1934 and died January 18, 2021 at NHC Healthcare in McMinnville, TN following an extended illness. She will remain forever etched in our hearts as someone who loved her whole family and genuinely loved all people. She never met a stranger. She had this innate ability to make everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. She worked hard, played hard, and loved beyond measure. She inspired and supported you to become the best version of you and would love you all along the way. She was fun, she was feisty, she could fold a fitted sheet like nobody’s business, she was the best cook, she was faithful, she was so much to so many and so much more to list, she was truly one of a kind and if you knew her, you loved her and are better because of it. She will be fiercely missed by all until we see her again. A retired sales associate from JC Penney and a member of the Lutheran Church, she was the daughter of the late Ole G. and Alvina Jenora Ask. She was married to Joseph Leroy Thornton February 19, 1955 who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by brother, Robert Ask and sister, Florence Westbrook. Mrs. Thornton is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Donna Thornton of McMinnville, TN; two granddaughters and their spouses, Tara (John) Roberts of McMinnville, TN and Amy (Tyson) Silvers of Cleveland, TN; grandson, Wayne Schmidt of Columbia, TN; great grandchildren, Shelby Roberts, Callie Jo Roberts, Rose Johnston and Dakotta (Matthew) Champion, great-great grandchildren, Lorenzo and Kambrie; three sisters and their spouses, Betty (Ed) Sell, Olga Cairns, and Ruthie (Ken) Weber; sister-in-law, Phyllis Ask; brother-in-law, Wayne Westbrook; many nieces and nephews also survive. Mrs. Thornton will be cremated. There will be no service or visitation at Highs. A combined graveside service for Mr. and Mrs. Thornton will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com High funeral home is in charge of arrangements.”