Suzie Thornton

Funeral services for Clara Sue Thornton will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 11 at the First Baptist Church of Sherman following a private family burial at West Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Tuesday, September 10 at Waldo Funeral Home.

Clara Sue (Suzie) Thornton passed away peacefully at Beacon Hill on Sunday, September 8th, 2024. She was born on October 11, 1937, to Lee and Ida Gibbs in Pauls Valley, OK. Throughout her long and fulfilling life, Suzie was blessed to experience the joy and companionship of two happy marriages, each bringing her love, support, and cherished memories. She was a loving homemaker and servant of God who devoted her life to caring for others. She cultivated deep and lasting friendships in both Houston and Sherman, TX, where she spent the majority of her life, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. Suzie was a true servant of Christ, always demonstrating her love and care for others in every season of her life with an unfailing passion for people. Through frequent phone calls, handwritten cards, personally delivered care packages with homemade goodies, and fervent prayers, she made sure those around her knew they were loved and thought of. Even as she faced her own health challenges, her heart remained steadfast in serving others, always finding a way to reach out and remind people of her deep love and unwavering faith. She was a living example of what it means to bear one another's burdens. In addition to her personal endeavors, she served with her husband, Jim, at First Baptist Church in various capacities, and volunteered at The Renaissance Senior Living Community for almost 20 years. Suzie made a profound impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness, faith, and unwavering love touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by all.

Suzie was preceded in death by Winfred (Burl) Burleson, granddaughter Muriel Thornton, stepson Kevin Thornton, her son Brent and wife Wendy Burleson, grandson Hudson Burleson, and her 8 older siblings – the Gibbs Clan.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jim Thornton; son Terry Burleson, wife Terri Ann, grandson Heath Burleson, wife Ashley and 2 great grandchildren; stepdaughter Lorrie Hummel, stepson Dr. Stacy Thornton, wife Amy, and 8 grandchildren; granddaughter Courtney Burleson-Fussell and husband Shawn, grandson Jason Brown and 2 great grandchildren; granddaughter Kristle Thornton and great granddaughter; nieces Joe Ella Barrett, Sharon Lanfear, and Vicke Selk; nephews Mike Gibbs, Dwight Fincher, Ron Tramell, Tom and Gary Pack, and great nephew Brannum Barrett; as well as countless other family, friends, and neighbors whom she loved.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Sherman.