Miss. Patty Ann Thornton, age 82 of Franklin, TN passed away March 13, 2015 at NHC HealthCare, Fairground Street, Franklin, TN. Upon graduating from Hillsboro High School, Williamson County, in June 1951, she was employed by the Military Department of Tennessee for over forty years working under nine governors and nine adjutant generals. Upon her retirement, she was presented the Tennessee Adjutant General’s Distinguished Patriot Medal, the only Tennessee National Guard award that can be presented to a civilian, by Major General William D. Jones, The Adjutant General. Preceded in death by parents, Salmon B. and Ethel Clark Thornton, sister, Eleanor Bond Hickman, and brother, Robert Thornton. Also preceded in death by Aunts Carrie T. Davis and Ana T. Davis, and Al and Robbie Huddleston, all of whom gave her homes due to the death of her mother at an early age. Two nephews, James W. Hickman, Jr. and Jerry T. Hickman, preceded her in death. Survived by sister-in-law, Deenie Thornton Hoolihan, nephews, Michael O. (Lillian) Hickman, Sr. and Mark A. Thornton, nieces-in-law, Gayle Hickman and Mary Hickman, three great nieces, Jaime (Dan) Hester, Amanda Hickman, and Jennifer (Austin) Henderson, four great-nephews, Stace (Sandy) Hickman, David Hickman, Tim Hickman, and Michael Hickman, Jr. Also survived by two great-great nieces, Makayla Hester and Kourey Hickman, one great-great nephew, Mason Henderson, and one little buddy, Will Montgomery. Having no children of her own, these nephews and their wives, children, and grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She was a member of Franklin Church of Christ. Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 PM Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, 3009 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN with visitation two hours prior to the service. Mitch Davis and David Coleman will officiate the service. Interment Williamson Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers: Michael Hickman, Sr., Mark Thornton, Stace Hickman, Dan Hester, Austin Henderson, and James H. Redford. Honorary pallbearers: Sybil Hickman, Odell Garrett, Peggy Gentry and Hillsboro High School Class of 1951, Dr. Julie Hendrix and Staff, Staff at Southern Care Assisted Living. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 615 794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com