Myrtle Frances Gardner Thornton, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Born in Harnett County on June 15, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Knox and Lida Pleasant Gardner, both of Harnett County. Her husband was the late Leo Earl Thornton. “Frances” as she liked to be called, was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was known for her honesty, her infamous chocolate pies and her sassy attitude. She is survived by her daughter Yvonne Horne Williford of Garner; step-son Danny Thornton of Coats; granddaughter Kelly Williford of Benson; grandson Wayne Williford of Garner; step-grandsons Daniel Thornton and Adam Thornton of Coats; great granddaughter Angela Maggard Snell and husband Jeremy; three great grandsons, Jakob, Joshua and Jayden Bender; step-sisters Linda Thompson, Margie May and Alice Melton; and step-brother Lewis Gardner.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 12 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home in Selma with burial following in Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 6 to 8 PM.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at parrishfh.com.