Marcus Jerry Thornhill Lebanon, Virginia Obituary

Marcus Jerry Thornhill

<p>Marcus Jerry Thornhill, age 73, loving Poppa, Dad and husband left this world to soar with the eagles on July 4, 2016. He was born in Columbia, Louisiana, to Elsie M. and Marcus M. Thornhill.</p><p>Jerry received his education from Columbia High School, Louisiana Tech, University of Texas, and Clemson University. He taught mathematics at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, prior to coming to Southwest Virginia Community College where he retired after 36 years . While teaching at SWVCC, Jerry was an active member of the Faculty Senate, The College Accreditation Teams, and served on the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee. He received numerous awards including Faculty Scholar by Phi theta Kappa in 2003 and Teacher of the Year Award from Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 2006.</p><p>A former member and Past President of the Lebanon Lions Club, he is a member and Past President of the Russell County Bird Club, a member of the Buchannan County Bird Club, past board of directors member of the Virginia Society of Ornithology and is a member of the National Audubon Society. An avid birdwatcher, himself, Jerry has encouraged summer school classes and boy scout groups by presenting programs to each.</p><p>Jerry is survived by his wife, Jane (Hayes) Thornhill; daughter Tresa and husband Steve Henry and granddaughter Danielle Laurane Henry of Richmond Virginia; his sister, Martha and husband, Charles Simons of Columbia, Louisiana, sister, Carol Canterbury of Prosper, Texas; nephew Chad and wife, Heather Canterbury and great nieces Peyton and Campbell of Frisco Texas; daughters in spirit, Penny, Sheila, Stephanie, and Lisa and several extra special nieces and nephews.</p><p>The family will receive friends at his home for a reception to honor Jerry on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. concluding with a celebration of life service at 7:30 p.m. (A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held in Columbia at a later date.)</p><p>In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Imagination Library of Russell county, P O Box 545, Lebanon VA 24266. Encouraging children to read was one of Jerry’s aspirations. </p><p>Share memories and condolences with the Thornhill family at www.owensfuneralservice.com.</p><p>Owens Funeral Service and Cremation Services, 7 Tate Street, Lebanon, Virginia, is in charge of arrangments.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
February 13, 1943 - July 4, 201602/13/194307/04/2016
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Obituary

Marcus Jerry Thornhill, age 73, loving Poppa, Dad and husband left this world to soar with the eagles on July 4, 2016. He was born in Columbia, Louisiana, to Elsie M. and Marcus M. Thornhill.

Jerry received his education from Columbia High School, Louisiana Tech, University of Texas, and Clemson University. He taught mathematics at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, prior to coming to Southwest Virginia Community College where he retired after 36 years . While teaching at SWVCC, Jerry was an active member of the Faculty Senate, The College Accreditation Teams, and served on the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee. He received numerous awards including Faculty Scholar by Phi theta Kappa in 2003 and Teacher of the Year Award from Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 2006.

A former member and Past President of the Lebanon Lions Club, he is a member and Past President of the Russell County Bird Club, a member of the Buchannan County Bird Club, past board of directors member of the Virginia Society of Ornithology and is a member of the National Audubon Society. An avid birdwatcher, himself, Jerry has encouraged summer school classes and boy scout groups by presenting programs to each.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Jane (Hayes) Thornhill; daughter Tresa and husband Steve Henry and granddaughter Danielle Laurane Henry of Richmond Virginia; his sister, Martha and husband, Charles Simons of Columbia, Louisiana, sister, Carol Canterbury of Prosper, Texas; nephew Chad and wife, Heather Canterbury and great nieces Peyton and Campbell of Frisco Texas; daughters in spirit, Penny, Sheila, Stephanie, and Lisa and several extra special nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at his home for a reception to honor Jerry on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. concluding with a celebration of life service at 7:30 p.m. (A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held in Columbia at a later date.)

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Imagination Library of Russell county, P O Box 545, Lebanon VA 24266. Encouraging children to read was one of Jerry’s aspirations.

Share memories and condolences with the Thornhill family at www.owensfuneralservice.com.

Owens Funeral Service and Cremation Services, 7 Tate Street, Lebanon, Virginia, is in charge of arrangments.




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