Shirley Edith (Wardell) Thorne

Mrs. Shirley Edith Wardell Thorne, age 83, of Patterson, passed away late Thursday night (05/09/2024) at Hospice Satilla House following an extended illness.

Born July 1, 1940, in Buena Vista, Georgia, she was a daughter of the late Hobart Sheridan and Thelma Downer Wardell. She grew up in Americus and later moved to Roberta, Georgia, where she graduated and was voted “Most Friendly” by the Crawford County High School graduating class of 1958. She met and married the love of her life in July of 1961, and spent many years moving from place to place as a devoted military wife and mother. She was a self-taught artist, seamstress, accomplished cake decorator, cook and a devoted Grandmother. She spent her later years living in Warner Robins before moving to Pierce County to be closer to her family in 2014.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Thorne, and 2 brothers H.S. Wardell Jr. and Van Wardell.

Survivors include her 2 daughters, Lorre Gill and Lydia Thorne, both of Patterson; 4 granddaughters, Brandy Gill of Patterson, Jennifer Chancey (fiancé Austin) of Blackshear, Sarah Sharp (husband Sammy) of Blackshear, and Samantha Davis (husband Brandon) of Patterson; 10 great grandchildren, Landon, Rylee, Jaran, Tristan, Autumn, Mia, Leeanna, Branson, Anson, and Mabry; 1 sister, Wanda Crawley of Warner Robins; and several other relatives.

A funeral service will take place Monday (05/13/2024) at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Offerman Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday one hour prior to the service.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

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