Claude Marie Thornton

Marie Rogers Griffin Thornton, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy, University of Alabama alumni (Roll Tide!), and friend to many, left this earth on Monday Sept 6, 2022 at the golden age of 100. She peacefully passed away with her family’s love surrounding her. 

Marie was a proud member of the Greatest Generation and lived a long, full, and interesting life. She was born in a farmhouse on June 12, 1922 in Gastonburg, AL and went on to serve her country drafting top secret invasion maps of the south pacific. After the war, Marie enrolled on the GI bill at the University of Alabama, earning her degree in Civil Engineering as well as getting her pilots license while there. 

Marie later discovered a talent for art and painting. In 1972 she opened Colonial Art Shoppe “on the square”, where she sold paintings and gifts, taught many students how to paint, and did custom framing for 45 years. She eventually agreed to retire and close the store when she was 89 years young only to book a walking tour of Scotland! 

Marie was preceded in death by husbands Fred Griffin in 1956 and Les Thornton in 2006 and son Sam in 2022. Many other family and friends have gone before her and await her arrival for a stellar reunion! Marie’s family was small but fiercely loved by her. 

Left to miss her forever are children Fred Griffin and wife Rose, Holly Griffin, and Kelly Thornton Malleck and husband Rick. Grandchildren Cara Brinkley Goins and husband Mike, Charlotte Griffin Francis and husband Ethan, Tanner Thornton, Scott Malleck and wife Noemi, Andrew Malleck and wife April-Ann, and Khris Bunkley and husband Ryan. Great grandchildren Sean, Zachary, Wyatt, Olivia, Keira, Jackson, Bryce, and Haydon. Her nephew, CW “Bud “ Rogers of Montgomery, AL, designed, crafted and hand-turned Marie’s urn with great love from Alabama Sycamore wood.    

VISITATION/RECEPTION: The family will receive friends at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, September 21st from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. GRAVESIDE BURIAL WITH MILITARY HONORS: Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery, Thursday September 22nd at 11:15 a.m.

BLUE SKIES and ROLL TIDE Marie!