Phyllis Rose (Denning) Thornton

Phyllis Denning Thornton, 68, of Newton Grove, passed peacefully on February 4, 2026 at Rex Healthcare in Raleigh.

Born on October 5, 1957 in Wayne County, N.C. to the late Dewey West Denning and Annie Laura (Thornton) Denning. She was also preceded in death by her son, Frankie Thornton and her brother, L. J. Denning.

Phyllis was a hard worker. She worked for several years in different sewing factories and as a warehouse associate with the Book Fair and later on she went on to work with the N.C. School system.

In her earlier years Phyllis loved going to the beach with her family and friends. She loved to dance, especially to Beach Music and would often find her on Sunday afternoons listening to a radio program called Sunday on the Beach. Phyllis also liked Nascar and sports. Basketball was her favorite especially when her team the UNC Tarheels were playing. 

Phyllis loved her family and friends and was always concerned about each one of them. Phyllis had a loving and kind heart and she would try and help anyone if she could and often put others before herself. Phyllis has fought alot of battles in her life with the loss of many loved ones and throught sickness, she always tried to remain strong and continue on, even with being in the hospital for almost the last six months of her life she continued to fight to the very end. 

Phyllis you will always be in our hearts and we will miss you dearly. 

Go Rest High on that Mountain now. 

She is survived by her brother, Leo Denning and wife Sandy, Her grandson: Frankie Lee Thornton. Two nephews; Chad Denning and Holly and Chris Denning. Two great nieces. 

The family wishes to extent a heartfelt Thank You to all of the staff of Rex Hospital for the excellent care Phyllis received during her extended stay. 

The family will hold a Memorial Service in her honor on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 from 6 till 8 p.m. in the Chapel of Dunn Funeral Home, Newton Grove. 

Dunn Funeral Home, Newton Grove is honored to serve the family of Phyllis D. Thornton. 

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