Michelle Lynn Thornton

Michelle Lynn “Shelley” Thornton, 62, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Shelley was
born in Denver, CO, daughter of Susan Fisher Thornton and the late Robert Erman Thornton. In
addition to her father she was preceded in death by her brother, James Edward Thornton; and
her nephew, Thomas Edward Thornton.
Shelley graduated from South Mecklenburg High School and earned a bachelor's degree from
Gardner-Webb University.

Shelley retired from Gaston County Schools, where she spent most of her career in elementary
education at Brookside Elementary School. Shelley was a compassionate teacher; she often
supported her students and their families beyond the classroom.
Shelley loved her immediate and extended family dearly; she especially loved the large annual
gatherings around Christmas and other holidays.
In addition to her mother, Shelley is survived by her sister-in-law, Camille Brown Thornton; and
her nephew, Samuel Robert Thornton.

A memorial service to celebrate Shelley’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026,
at Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly. The family will greet guests one hour prior to the
service.

In Shelley’s memory, please support your local public elementary school.

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