Mrs. Donna Giddens Thornton, 82, of Hartwell, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at The Gables of Royston.

Donna Thornton was born on January 5, 1943 in Avon Park, FL to Inez and Arthur Giddens. Donna went to Carey High School in Raleigh, NC and went on to Practice Nursing for her entire career until her retirement.  She was a Sunday School teacher for much of her life and volunteered after her retirement as a mentor for Children's Literacy after school programs.

Donna was a woman of quiet strength and grace; a soul whose life was a testament to love in its purest and most enduring form. To her children, she was more than a mother—she was a sanctuary, a guiding light who wrapped them in unwavering affection. Her love knew no bounds, embracing them not only in their triumphs but especially in their trials, where her support stood firm like a lighthouse in the storm.

Among all scriptures, it was Matthew 18:19 that lived most profoundly in Donna's heart: "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." These words were not only her favorite verse—they were the very rhythm of her life.

Her faith was always the heartbeat of her family and friends, a quiet but powerful force that bound her to the people she loved. In every whispered prayer, every clasped hand, every moment of shared belief, Donna knit together a community rooted in love, laughter, and never-ending friendship. She was, and always will be, a beautiful reminder of what it means to live a life poured out for others—with prayerful hands, a generous spirit, and a heart open wide.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, William Edgar Thornton, Jr of Wilmington, NC, her siblings Elma Baker of Durham, NC, Gail Porter of Sarasota, FL, and Don Hewitt of Roanoke, VA.  She is survived by her sister Joanne King of Raleigh, NC.  Her daughters, Leigh (Stanley) Sanders of Bowersville, GA, Jennifer (Stacey) Brown of Hartwell, GA,  April (Terry) Tucker of Hartwell, GA, and Joy (Ben) O'Hanlan of Greenville, SC.  She has eight grandchildren, Dale Sanders Amanda Findley, Landon Brown, Andrew Brown, Katherine (Katie) Goldblatt, Georgia Tucker, Brooks O'Hanlan and Marleigh O'Hanlan. She has five great grandchildren, Carson Findley, Mason Findley, Charleigh Sanders, Jackson Sanders, and Cyrus Goldblatt.

Donna Thornton's Memorial Service will be held at Impact Church on Friday, April 18th, 2025, 764 Benson Street, Hartwell, GA 30643 from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Impact Church of Hartwell, 764 Benson St, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.