Mary Thornal, 90, of Franklin, passed away Monday, March 3, 2008.

Mary was born on January 12, 1918, in Ridgeway, SC, the daughter of the late J.W. Wilson of South Carolina and Ethelglen Wilson of Orlando, FL. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Colonel William M. Wilson, NSAF Ret. Of Tampa, FL. Mary handled her husband’s insurance agency for three years while he was serving in the Armed Forces during World War II. At that time she helped organize and served as President of the Insurance Women of Orlando, and in 1947 organized and was the first President of the Orlando Jaycee Wives Club. She managed Thornal Insurance of Miami and of Arcadia, FL and was a member of the JuniorLeague of Orlando and Miami. She was a volunteer in several civic and community activities including the Orange County Tuberculosis Association, the Primrose School for Exceptional Children, the League’s legislative committee, the Dade County Museum of Science and Natural History and was President of the Arcadia Woman’s Club. Her more recent involvements included the management of United Farm and Thornal-Hope Realty in Arcadia and an active membership in the Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin, NC. Above all this she was a devoted and faithful wife to her husband, a gift of love and inspiration to her children and family, and a source of empathy and understanding to her friends. She will be remembered for her wit and wisdom, and a sweetness and kindness that made her so special to so many of us.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Burton Thornal of Franklin, NC; two daughters, Marcia Osteen of Franklin, NC and Sylvia Thornal of Arcadia, FL; two grandchildren, Sierra of Franklin, and Amber of Arcadia; nephews, Andy Thornal of Winter Haven, Curtis Lawrence of Winter Haven, Ben Thornal of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Bill Wilson of Houston, Texas; niece Linda Wilson of Washington, SC and numerous much loved grand nephews, grand nieces and great grand nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lewis Rathbun Wellness Center, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, NC 28803.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made @www.maconfuneralhome.com

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