96, a resident of 108 Leak Street, died Monday, Feb. 20 at Brantwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was the daughter of the late James "Jimmy" Thornton and Lydia Morris Thornton.

She is survived by three sons, Oscar C. Smith of Goldsboro, Michael A. Smith-Muhammad and Larry Donnell Smith both of Oxford; six daughters, Lila S. Reavis of Henderson, Marie S. Bell, Joann S. Allen, Mary Carolyn Smith, Patricia S. Watkins and Margaret S. Wortham all of Oxford; three sisters, Bessie T. Jones, Hattie T. Pettiford and Estelle Thornton all of Oxford; twenty-one grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Gracie Thornton of Oxford and Ruby Thornton of Raleigh.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Feb. 25 at 1:00 P.M. at New Hope Granville Baptist Church by Rev. James Issac III. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors Friday, Feb. 24 from 7:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Wright Funeral home. A viewing is scheduled to begin at 11:00 A.M. Friday, Feb. 24.