Julia Ann Middleton Thornberry passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date.

Julia was born September 4, 1939 in Guilford County, NC.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Mack Thornberry; son, Kenneth Pate; mother, Oteria L Middleton; father, Julius Middleton; brothers, Benjamin Middleton and Julius Weldon Middleton; and sisters, Nita Whittle and Hersey Blosser.

Julia is survived by her sons, Michael and David Thornberry; sisters, Virginia Purgason, Sue Coltrane, Peggy Lineback; and many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Julia was a graduate of Sumner High School. After graduation she was employed with Sears Mail Order, where she worked until they closed in the 1990's. A few years later she opened the Oak Hollow Market, selling pottery and concrete lawn ornaments. She was a really generous person, giving to her sons, grandchildren and family with gifts of time, money, and food. She was a wonderful cook. She was generous with her invites to her lake and beach properties and we all enjoyed the mounds of food she would cook for us. Sometimes she had as many as 24 family members spending the night. She brought comfort to all those around her and always had a smile on her face, which was a comfort all on its own. She was greatly loved and will be truly missed.