November 16, 2025, 89, Kinston —
While in the warm embrace of close family on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Peggy Jean Thornton said goodbye to loved ones here on earth and joined her Heavenly Father and family. Peggy was preceded in death by husband, Samuel Everett Thornton, daughter, Debbie Lewis, and brothers, John William, Earl, and Donald Taylor.
Mrs. Thornton is survived by her sister, Joanne Taylor Kennedy, and children, Steve Thornton and wife Glynda, Mary Lynn Thornton, and Gary Thornton. Grandchildren include Brian Croom and wife Mandy, Heather Matter and partner Albert Estok, Kasi Brooks and husband Matt, and Alex Thornton and partner Lonnie Huer. Great-Grandchildren are Mattison Smith and husband Austin, Brannigan Croom and partner Caleb Hoover, Haley Carwyle and husband Weston, Aubrey Croom, Elaiyna Oregon, Jasper and Morgan Matter, Jade and AJ Estok, and Wyatt and Sloan Brooks.
“Miss Peggy” is the daughter of Leon and Sudie Worley Taylor of the Grantham, NC, Community and graduated in 1953 from Grantham High School. After marrying, Peggy and Tom continued their story in Kinston, where they raised 4 beautiful children. Peggy had an undeniable love for our God and found a second home in New Hope Baptist Church of Kinston. She was a wonderful seamstress and even made the children’s Sunday clothes. Peggy worked many years at H. Stadiems in downtown Kinston and part time at Lynn’s Hallmark in Vernon Park Mall, where she established many dear friendships to last a lifetime.
Peggy had an ear for music and loved singing and playing the piano as well as listening to country and gospel. One of her favorite activities was gardening, and you’d often find her under the carport on a nice day, repotting and tending her vast array of plants. She also loved to cook and feed folks, always worrying there wasn’t enough food even though we usually had way too much! You couldn’t leave her house without a takeout plate. More than anything, Peggy enjoyed talking with family, friends, and neighbors. In person and on the phone, she would joyfully chat about all the days and weeks goings on then go “now you talk.” Peggy radiated warmth, hospitality, and love in everything she was and did.
Our family would like to give special thanks to the following people who helped Peggy so much over the last few months: Caregivers Gina Branch and Elaiyna Oregon; The 3HC home hospice team which included Nurses Gwen and Caroline, and Pastor Aaron Bizzel. Lastly, we cannot say enough good things about the care Peggy received at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. Every staff member treated her and the family with the utmost attentiveness, respect, and empathy. You have all truly been a blessing for her and the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 1990 NC-11, Kinston, NC 28504 or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Ct., Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow the service with Pastor Hank Jarman and Pastor Justin Barnett officiating. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.
Howard-Carter Funeral Home of Kinston is honored to be serving the Thornton Family. This announcement is courtesy of Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory of Goldsboro.
