Telephone, Texas -- Cornelia (Spence) Thornton, 82, of Telephone, TX was born on March 24, 1941 in Memphis, TN to William and Velma (Woodson) Spence. She passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Telephone Baptist Church, with visitation prior to the service starting at 12:30 p.m. Pastor Jase Waller will officiate. Interment will follow at Forest Grove Cemetery.

Cornelia had 2 master’s degrees and was awarded Summa cum Laude. She attended California Baptist College, Midwestern Seminary, University of Texas in
Austin, where she obtained her Master of Science Degree in Library and Information Science and University of Texas in Harlingen, where she obtained her Master of Education Degree. She taught at public schools in Alaska, California, and Texas.

Cornelia married Archie Lloyd Thornton on May 30, 1980 in California. She was a loving wife, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She will be dearly missed by those that know her.

Cornelia is survived by her husband Archie Thornton of Telephone, TX; and sister Sue Gass of Long Beach, CA; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cornelia is preceded in death by her parents William and Velma Spence.

To convey condolence or sign an online registry please visit www.coopersorrells.com.