Florence Thornburg, age 89, formerly of Limestone, passed away Monday, September 28, 2026, at The Waters of Johnson City.
Mrs. Thornburg was born in Flag Pond, Tennessee on March 27, 1937, to the late Dana & Emily Hardin Rice. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James A. Thornburg, eleven brothers and sisters.
She was a long-time member of Bowmantown Baptist Church. Florence loved for people to visit, and she always wanted you to eat with her. She was a wonderful cook, known for her chess bars and potato salad. She enjoyed gardening, farming, and growing flowers. She loved helping her family. She was a very gracious lady.
Survivors include two daughters, Gwendolyn Elaine Simpson (Scott) Jonesborough and Donna Gay Harrington (Jeff), Bluff City; brother, Gerald Rice, Jonesborough; grandchildren, Cody Rush (Tiffany), Austin Rush, Amber Simpson, Joshua Harrington (Sasha) and Michael Harrington (Lauren); great-grandchildren, Wyatt & Blakely, Jeremiah, Easton, & Lilly; special roommate of five years, Leora Gardner; her dearly beloved babydolls, “Ickey & Bubblehead”; and several nephews and nieces.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kathy Riddle, Linda Fuller, Gentiva Hospice Nurses, Josh and Devin, special nurse at The Waters of Johnson City, Delecia and all the CNA’s for all the special care given to our mother.
Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 PM Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Josh Grizzle and Pastor Dwayne Riddle officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday prior to the service.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Friday, October 2, 2026, at Oakland Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Northeast Tennessee Chapter, 2020 Meadowview Pkwy, Suite 100 Kingsport, TN 37660.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
