Julia Thornton

Julia Pearl Thornton age 96, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.

Burial will take place at Duplain Township Cemetery at a later date.

Julia was born in St. Johns, MI on January 4, 1921, the daughter of Isaac and Daisy (McKnight) Neelands.  She graduated from St. Johns High School and attended Eastern Michigan University. On February 2, 1946 she married Walter Thornton in St. Johns, MI. Walter passed away on June 10, 1958.

Julia was an organist for a number of churches in the area, and taught piano lessons at her home for many years.  She was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church. She enjoyed activities at the Clinton County Senior Center.

She is survived by her daughter Barbara and William Bashore of St. Johns, MI, son Arnold and Sharon Thornton of Dewitt, MI, daughter Marjorie and William Eiseler of St. Johns, MI, daughter Janet Taylor of Lansing, MI, 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and sister in law Mary Libey of Mesa, AZ.  She was predeceased by her parents, husband Walter, and brother Lewis Neelands.

Memorials may be made to charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.