Roxy David Thornell died on September 13, 2008 at the Hospice of East Texas, Tyler, Texas. She was born March 19, 1916, in Silsbee, the eighth child of 10 brothers and sisters. Her parents were the late Jesse “Jake” and Hannah David. Mrs. Thornell graduated from Silsbee High School in 1934 and from Hotel Dieu School of Nursing in Beaumont in 1938 when she moved to Nederland. She was married to the late Ralph Thornell for 48 years. They had two children, Ralph David Thornell and wife Paula of The Woodlands, Texas, and Karen Ross of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas.
Mrs. Thornell was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Nederland for 70 years, having joined in 1938. She was active in many areas of the church including teaching Sunday School, member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service (United Methodist Women) and Mother’s Club.
She was a Registered Nurse, working as a Hospital Staff Nurse, Private Duty Nurse, Office Nurse, Industrial Nurse and a School Nurse. She retired in 1982 after 26 years of service with the Nederland Independent School District.
Mrs. Thornell was a Charter Member, Life Member, and Past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #1079. She was a member of the American Nurse’s Association, Life Member of the Texas State Teacher Association, Member of the School Health Section of Texas State Teachers Association, American School Health Association, and Honorary life member of The National Congress and Parents and Teachers in recognition of distinguished service given to children and youth. Mrs. Thornell was also a member of many local clubs including African Violet Society of America and home Extension Club holding offices in most of the organizations. For many years she was sponsor of the Future Nurse’s Club of Nederland High School.
Mrs. Thornell is survived by her son and daughter and two step-daughters, Herma Robinson and husband Ken, Helen Hoppess and husband Karl both of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Daxton Holcombe, Hannah Gigliotta, Laura Ferrell and John Thornell, and seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Velda McAlister and Doris “Dot” Walker both of Silsbee. She is also survived by special friends, like unto sisters, Elizabeth Wills and Dorothy Graham of Nederland. She is preceded in death by her husband and parents; her brothers, Byrney David, Horace David and Charlie Allen; and sisters, Sarah Yawn, Corrie Chance, Jessie Lee Bond and Eva Allamon.
Funeral service will be 11 AM, Thursday, September 25, 2008 at First United Methodist Church, 104 13th St., Nederland with Reverends Jim Ross and Malcolm Monroe officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches under the direction of Broussard’s Mortuary in Nederland. A gathering of family and friends will be 5-7 PM, Wednesday at the church. Pallbearers will include Daxton Holcomb, John Thornell, Richard Allen, Randy Walker, Phil McAlister, Roger Ferrell and Bob McAlister. Honorary pallbearers will be Eastern Star Chapter #1079.
Memorial may be made to First United Methodist Church of Nederland, Nederland Order of Eastern Star Chapter #1079, The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701 or Professional Health Care of Beaumont, 2533 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
