Shirley Ann (Wilkes) Thornhill

Mrs. Shirley Ann Wilkes Thornhill, 72, of Scranton, wife of the late Larry Odell Thornhill, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at MUSC Health Black River Medical Center.

Mrs. Thornhill was born on October 26, 1952, in Florence County, daughter of the late Freeland Wilkes and Annie Mae Lynch Wilkes. Mrs. Thornhill retired from Lee Correctional Institution, where she was a correctional officer. Beyond the confines of the detention center, Mrs. Thornhills’s heart overflowed with love and generosity. Her home was a community outreach, mingled with the joyous sounds of gospel singings and dinners. She hosted lively cookouts and heartfelt prayer meetings, opening her doors to all who needed a warm meal and a friendly face. Mrs. Thornhill cherished her church and found immense joy in singing alongside her sisters, the talented Wilkes Family. She also had a particular fondness for canning, especially tomatoes.

Surviving are her siblings, Freeland “Pete” (Alleyne) Wilkes, Jr of Coward, Melva Wilkes Norwood of Lake City, Shelby Jean Pate of Kingstree, Mary Lee Feagin of Coward and Susie Dease of Kingstree; sister-in-law, Peggy Wilkes of Coward; many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special Thanks to Bonnie Laird, as well as the caregivers at Carlyle Senior Care Center of Kingstree.

Mrs. Thornhill was preceded in death by her special nephew, Josh “Scooter” Norwood; sister, Dianne C. Coleman; brothers, Darvin Wilkes and Charlie “Buddy” Wilkes.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, December 27, 2024, at Carolina Funeral Home Chapel. Family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to Faith Holiness Church, PO Box 57, Scranton, SC 29591.

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