Betty Jeanne (McConnell) Thornton

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Mrs. Betty Jeanne (McConnell) Thornton, 81, of Lynchburg, Virginia, formerly of Du Quoin, died Thursday, March 3, 2011 at Lynchburg General Hospital after a short illness.

Mrs. Thornton was born May 21, 1929 in Benton, Ill., the daughter of the late Otis and Prudence (Golden) McConnell. Mrs. Thornton was the wife of Joseph E. Thornton, formerly of Du Quoin. He survives. She was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

Mrs. Thornton graduated from Benton High School and attended the University of Indiana, Northwestern University and Southern Illinois University, from which she earned B.S. and M.S. degrees. She taught business courses at Du Quoin Township High School, directed plays and coached interscholastic speech events.

In addition to her husband of 57 years, Mrs. Thornton is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Thornton was the recipient of the Du Quoin School District #300 "Quality of Education Award" in 2010.

Burial was at a later date at the IOOF Cemetery in Du Quoin, Ill.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Du Quoin.