Annie Jo Thornton

Mrs. Annie Jo Thornton, affectionately known by many as Gran Gran, departed this life on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

Annie Jo was a lifelong resident of the Pine Grove Community where she met and married her dear husband, Steed Thornton. She loved and decorated for all holidays; especially her favorite holiday, Christmas. Over the years, the Thornton’s opened their home during the holidays and many have fond memories of those gatherings, including Annie Jo’s famous dill weed sandwiches.

Annie Jo and Steed owned and operated Cohutta Motor Cross, which launched the racing dreams of sons, Greg and Randy, as well as many of their friends. She also owned and operated ice cream shops and concession businesses; but, her true career was caring for her family. She rarely missed an opportunity to be in the stands cheering at her family's sporting events, from football and basketball to softball, soccer, livestock shows - whatever the event, she was there offering love and encouragement. Annie Jo loved to cook for family gatherings and worked hard to prepare each family member's favorite dish.

Annie Jo enjoyed gardening and instilled in her granddaughters the joys of digging in the dirt. The fruits of her green thumb are on full display in her beautiful flowers as well as in the yards of family and friends.

Annie Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Willie Bell Brown, her beloved husband, Steed Thornton, her son, Randy Thornton, and sister-in-law, Marilyn Brown.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Anita Thornton and her very special daughter-in-love, Debbie Thornton. She is also survived by her brother, Gordon Brown, sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and Marvin Owens, and her cherished grandchildren, Julie and Jimmy Johnson, Laurel and Adam Carter, Adam and Amanda Thornton, Lacey and Todd Ridley, and Emily Hampton.  Also surviving are her great grandchildren, Macy, Blakely, Izzy, Brenner, Bowen, Grayson, and Breckyn.  She loved her family including her many special nieces and nephews.

Annie Jo had many friends; but treasured her life-long friends, Ethel Jones and Ann Larmon Williams. She developed a close bond and friendship with her devoted caregiver, Shirleen Rewis.  She had a love for animals; but a special love for dachshunds; her dear fur baby, Sadie, brought her much joy.

The family will receive friends at Love Funeral Home on Friday, June 4, from 11 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 P.M. at the Gordon and Marilyn Brown Pavilion located at 1476 Miller Road with the Reverend Brandan Chastine officiating. Interment will follow in the Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers are Woody Bramlett, Randy Herron, and Marvin Owens. Pallbearers include Kelly Boyer, Adam Carter, Chris Emerson, Jimmy Johnson, Ron Larmon, Todd Ridley, and Adam Thornton.

Floral tributes will be accepted or to honor Annie Jo’s love for animals, donations may be made to the North Georgia Animal Alliance (P. O. Box 5484, Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 30742).