Mary Evelyn Rodgers Thornton age 93, of Hot Springs passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, December 17, 2018, surrounded by her family.  She was born February 15, 1925, in Williston, TN, to James and Versie Baldwin Rodgers.  They preceded her in death as well as her husband, Francis "Frank" Edwin Thornton, her son, Gregory Emile Thornton, and nine siblings.

Evelyn, as she was known to most, was a 1942 graduate of Collierville High School where she lettered in basketball in 1939-1940.  She later attended a private secretarial school in Memphis, TN.  She was a member and "official pipeline of information" for Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over sixty years.  She was also a member of Clan Donald USA.

Her business career included working as a mail order clerk, and secretarial positions with engineering, construction, and insurance companies as well as the federal government.

Evelyn received her baptism and confirmation and was also married at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Memphis, TN.  After marriage she and her family lived in Memphis, TN, Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ, North Richland Hills, TX, and Hot Springs.

She was a proud, gracious, faithful wife and also loving mother to her sons, Gregory and Geoffrey.

Evelyn was a long time member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and in later years attended Christ Anglican Church with her husband.

Survivors include her son and daughter in law, Geoffrey and Delta Thornton, four step grandchildren, Tamera Pittman, Johnny Smoke, Austin and Brenton Davis, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 228 Spring Street, Hot Springs, AR.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Area Agency on Aging, 905 W. Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR, 71901, and Kindred Hospice, 2112 Malvern Ave. #3, Hot Springs, AR, 71901. Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.