Deloris Elaine Dillehay Thornton, 80, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026 at St. Thomas River Park following an extended illness. Born in Smith Co., TN., she was the daughter of the late Roy and Maggie Lee Chambers Dillehay. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Ken Walker; her brother and his wife, Charles and Peggy Dillehay.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Bill Thornton of Woodbury; children, Steven (Kellie) Walker, Penny (Larry) Knight, Lesa McClanahan, Dana (Terry) Blanton and Joey Thornton; grandchildren, Jacob (Miranda) Knight, Jared (Logan) Knight, Logan Knight, Bayli Nelson, Cameron McClanahan, Amber Walker, Mandy Harris, Curtis (Sara) Walker, Kristapher (Amber) Walker, Nancy (Andy) Magnarella, Caleb Walker, Josh Walker, Hannah Walker, Micah Walker, Justus (Grace) Walker, Chloe-Ella Walker, Drew (Codi) Perry, Kayla Johnson and Kelsey (Tyler) Strickland; siblings, Ricky Dillehay and Pam Givens. Numerous great grandchildren also survive.
Ms. Thornton, in earlier years, attended Cornerstone Assembly of God. Due to her health, she was unable to attend services and watched every Sunday the services of Victory Baptist Church in King Fisher, OK. of which her son attends. A homemaker, she was very talented, a doll maker and collector of over 100 porcelain dolls. Deloris was a very caring lady who loved spending time with her family, traveling and riding motorcycles with her husband. Christmas was always a magical time for her. She also used to sing with the quartet “Sweet Adelines”.
Her family will receive friends Tuesday, March 3, 2026 beginning at 9:00 A.M. Funeral services will follow in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens Cemetery.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net
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This obituary was published by Woodbury Funeral Home.
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