Rita Judd Avery Thornton

Four Oaks, NC: Mrs. Rita Judd Avery Thornton, age 62, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. A Memorial Service will be held-2:00 PM Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Burnell Baptist Church in Four Oaks. Officiating will be Rev. Jessie Brock.

Mrs. Thornton was born on October 29, 1962 in Ahoskie, North Carolina to the late David Henry and Sallie Parker Harrell Avery. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Wanda Bryant. Mrs. Thornton worked as a pricing coordinator for Food Lion for many years prior to retirement. She was a hard worker, an excellent cook, loved the beach, and was kind and sweet to everyone. Above all, she was a loving wife and a devoted mother and grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Surviving is her husband of 44 years, Jeffery Thornton; sons, Joshua Steven Thornton and Alisha Cox, Jason Robert Thornton and wife, Kateland, and Jonathon Tyler Thornton and wife, Brooke; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jayce, Avery Kate, and Emma; brothers, Sammy Bryant and Tony Bryant and wife, Tanya; and her special dog, Ella.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Family Life Center at Burnell Baptist Church.

The family would like to thank the nurses of Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care given to Rita and the family throughout her final days. 

Condolences may be made to the family at www.roseandgraham.com.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks.