Elizabeth "Betty Boo" Thornton

Elizabeth "Betty Boo" peacefully entered into eternal rest on May 18, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, William (King Bee) Thornton, son, William (Chick) Thornton, parents John and Veola Crosby, sister, Helen Barnes and granddaughter Bayyinah Bailey. She leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Talitha E. Brown (Douglas), Paula D. Thornton, son Mandel V. Thornton, 5 grandchildren: Mandel, Cory, LaTasha, Patreace and Shenae', 7 great grandchildren : Cor'Shea, Cynai, Kae'Von, Ta'Ciya, Dwayne, DeAntimino, and Jae'Mya, 2 great great grandchildren: Brielle and Tazanna, sister: Dorothy Smith , brothers John Crosby, Jr. (Barbara) and Robert James Crosby (Dorothy); a devoted niece, Cherie Holt, devoted nephew, Reverend Samuel C. Barnes, JR also a host of relatives and friends. Betty was educated in the Richmond Public School system and trained as a cosmetologist. Many young girls were sent to our apartment, in Jackson Ward, to have their hair done up for holidays. Elizabeth was the Fashionista of the family; She would dress to impress whenever she stepped outside of the house. With her makeup, nails, and hair done up she was always ready to take a picture. Elizabeth was baptized at and a faithful member of Sharon Baptist Church and later being of service on The C.B. Belcher Memorial Usher Board. She enjoyed the fellowship and the many friends she worshipped with. Elizabeth retired from Nabisco in 1999, after many years coming home from work with the aroma of cookies and crackers. Her devoted co-workers were also friends that kept in touch even after retirement. Many have watched her cook over the years and tried their hands at her recipes. After many years of cooking holiday dinners and her famous potato salad, she finally let her daughter Paula and granddaughters take the reins, but she always had the final say on HER potato salad. The joy of her life was her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was known as Grandma, Little Grandma, Granny, Grandy, and Nana. There wasn’t a baby in her atmosphere that she did not love up on. It was also a delight for her to have the grands come over on Sundays for dinner and quality family time. She made sure her family always had what they needed and an abundance of what they wanted. Betty Boo will be sorely missed by all the lives she has nurtured and touched. We will miss her beauty, her laughter, and her love.

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Elizabeth "Betty Boo" Thornton

December 17, 1937 - May 18, 2026