Billie Marcell Thornton

Funeral services for Billie Marcell Thornton of Lufkin will be held Monday, March 2, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the Elwyn M. Gipson Memorial Chapel in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park with Brother Jimmy Nunn officiating.

Billie was born March 31, 1932 in Nacogdoches, Texas to the late Irene and Bryant Sowell, and died Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Parkwood in the Pines, at the age of 93.

Billie retired from Lufkin ISD where she taught special children at Hackney for 50 years. She was the most kind, generous, and caring person and always did for others. She made sure all of her friends and co-workers had a little something for Christmas each year. She was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and a Sunday School teacher for many years at Herty Baptist Church. Billie had resided in Lufkin all her life.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and David Nick; grandsons, Zachery Nick and Colten Nick and wife Lauren; great-grandson, Cooper Nick; sister, Jo Ann Hill; and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene Loving and Bryant Sowell; husband, Ray Thornton, and sister, Martha Windsor.

Pallbearers are Zack Nick, Colten Nick, David Nick, and Jimmy Nunn.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Monday afternoon prior to the services at the Elwyn M. Gipson Memorial Chapel.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.