Brenda Sue Henry Thornton, 70, of Bay City, passed away unexpectedly on August 26, 2026, at Hermann Memorial Hospital surrounded by loved ones. She was born on October 21, 1955, to Eva Joyce Chancellor. She was adopted by Clyde J. Henry at two years old.

Brenda married Mark Thornton in 1987 and would have celebrated 39 years next month. They moved to North Dakota shortly after but returned a year later, making Bay City their home. She was a stay-at-home mother for most of her life. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren grow. There were many things Brenda was passionate about. She loved her furbabies; propagating plants and turning her patio into a beautiful jungle; going to the beach to look for shells during any season especially during hurricane season when she would love to go look at the waves; as well as starting a new craft every few years, like diamond art and hand crochet blankets. One of the most important things about Brenda is the way she could make anyone, stranger or not, feel like the most important person. She could talk at length, whether just catching up or hearing the latest news. But she always had an ear to listen. One thing that will be greatly missed is her contagious laugh. The kind that made everyone around her laugh whether it was funny or not.

While her death was sudden and unexpected, the family takes comfort knowing Brenda was welcomed to her eternal home in the arms of Jesus.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents Clyde J. and Eva Joyce Henry; her father and mother-in-law, Herbert and Winnie “JoAnn” Thornton; and sister-in-law, Tami Donaldson.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Mark Thornton; children, Paul (Courtney) Langham IV, Brittany (Michael) Cervantes, James (Joell) Thornton II; and stepdaughters, Leslie Thornton, and Heather (Willard) Miller; grandchildren, Paul Ryan and Katie Langham, Michael Alexander and Sophia Cervantes, and James Mark Thornton III; sister, Sandra (Steve) Larsen; and numerous nephews, nieces and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 4th at 9:00am at Nichols Street Church of Christ, 1200 Nichols Avenue, Bay City. Service will begin at 10:00am with Matt Springfield officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Paul Ryan Langham, Michael Cervantes, Michael Alexander Cervantes, Caden Cliborn, Louie Etie, and Griz Rather.

Please make donations to Harvest House Food Pantry, Bay City.