Cynthia Denise Boals Thornton, 70, of Troutman, N.C., followed the yellow brick road home to reconnect with those who preceded her on Saturday, December 23, 2023. She was born on July 30, 1953, in Portsmouth, Va., to the late Treon (Bob) and Mary Wenner Green.

In her early years, she was a cosmologist who enjoyed the beach, surfing and shots of tequila on occasions. She spent 20 years in Walmart Logistics (Gordonsville, Va.) in an IT/Systems Manager role where she made many friends and continued to learn each day. In her later years, she enjoyed reading, watching old movies, especially her favorite The Wizard of OZ, and playing games, but mostly she cherished spending time with her family and keeping up with the antics of her grandchildren.

Cindy survived cancer twice and donated many hours to the American Cancer Society raising funds and support for a cause that supported her and her family when needed. She also volunteered for the Literacy Volunteer of Charlottesville, Va., where she helped adults learn English as their second language.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Francis Bishop and Anne Ware; and brother, Larry Boals.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Ralph W. Thornton III, whom her mother said came from the wrong side of the tracks; her children, Shylah Adcock (David Oswald) and Kiley Thornton-Moffat (Keith), and the Infamous Boal Boys, George Boals (Vickie) and Daniel Boals (Robin) who are absolutely up to no good as you are reading this; and sister, Colesta Flurry (Terry). Her grandchildren, Austin, Ally, Jillian, and Lauren will remember her as their Grammy that rode bikes, ice skated and listened to all the latest happenings on social media and YouTube.

Cindy’s daughters have several friends that were considered family. She watched them grow from teens to somewhat responsible adults and sometimes joined them in their shenanigans. She was quick to remind Lauren, Holly, Elizabeth, Shanna and Samantha of some of her favorite memories, which were usually the ones that embarrassed them most.

Services will be held at a later date and announced by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville is proudly serving the Thornton family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.