Ellen Cash Thornton

Join us in celebrating the life of Ellen Cash Thornton, who was joyfully welcomed into her heavenly home in the early hours of September 13, 2024. Years of graces and challenges were met with an unyielding faith in God that blessed all who came in contact with her.

A native of Durham County, NC, Ellen was the eleventh and final child of the late Jesse Tyrus and Mafie Lea Mangum Cash. She enjoyed being the baby of her family, diligently looked after by her eight brothers, who affectionately called her Miss Ellen and preceded her to Heaven: Benjamin Tyrus, Fred Green, Jesse Russell, Calvin Alexander, James Dallas, Charles Edward, Thomas S, and Troy Mangum Cash. She has also been reunited with her two beloved sisters, Gladys Elizabeth Cash and Katie Cash Duke Rose.

After raising her own three children, she was the long-term nanny of around a dozen amazing children that she sheltered, taught, and guided with a gentle hand and a loving heart. She was also a motherly figure to her thirty nieces and nephews, who came to love her sweet, doting nature and attentiveness just as much as her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren did. When Ellen wasn’t caring for her many loved ones, she acted on her love for nature and flowers, holding fast to her belief that even the smallest sparrow and bloom is sheltered by the hand of the Lord.

She is survived by her three children, William Thornton (Caroline), Dwight Thornton (Sue), and Joy Barwick (Stuart), as well as her five grandchildren, Michael Thornton (Danielle), Jessi Mitchell (Tobie), Mary Arenas (Chris), Kasey Thornton, and Ian Barwick. She will also be missed by her four great-grandchildren, Macon Mitchell, Ethan Thornton, Emily Thornton, and Holly Arenas.

The family would like to thank her amazing caregivers—Latesha Coley, Winnie Okinyi, and Prisca Ogachi—as well as the firemen of Raleigh Fire Department Engine 28 down the road from her home, who offered their friendship and care to Ellen and her family in both good and difficult times.

Ellen Thornton was a supporter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Disabled Veterans of America, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation. In lieu of flowers, we welcome you to send donations to the organization of your choice in her honor as you feel led.

Per her wishes, a visitation will be held from 2-3pm on Saturday, September 21st at Ellis Chapel United Methodist Church (2516 Levi Lane, Bahama, NC, 27503) before a short graveside service where we will celebrate the home-going of this amazing servant of Christ.