Nancy Louise Petty Thornton ,87, died peacefully in her sleep while on a local beach stay with her daughter. Nancy had enjoyed a Mother's Day dinner with Susan and her grandsons, Mark and Jeremy Abernethy, the prior evening. She had been in declining health for several years.
She was born March 7, 1930, the only child of Harvey and Miriam Thames Petty, in Jacksonville, FL.. Nancy was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School and attended Stetson University. She was retired from the Nassau County School Board where she worked in the finance office.
Her passions were reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, and her animals. Attesting to her devotion to her many pets, it was Nancy's wish to be cremated and her ashes placed with the cats and dogs buried at her home over the years.
Nancy was a long time member of Yulee United Methodist Church. Prior to her failing health, she enjoyed her friends and the activities of the Nassau County Retired Educators, Andrew Jackson HS Graduates, Methodist Women's Circle, and the Red Hat Society. She supported many charities , her most favorite being Cat's Angels.
She is survived by her children; Susan Abernethy Simpson (Ken) and Mark Alan Abernethy Sr.; her grandchildren, Sandi Abernethy Priest (Jonathan), Natalie Abernethy, Shanna Abernethy (Marc), Frank Conley Abernethy III "Trey", Melissa Simpson Oliver (Shawn), Emily Simpson Ramirez (Ed), Josh Simpson (Monica), Mark Abernethy Jr., Jeremy Abernethy, and Samantha Abernethy; 13 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. She is also survived by her dear friend, Ann
Barber , and Ann's family where she was embraced as their surrogate grandmother.
Nancy was predeceased by her second husband, Stewart Thornton; her firstborn, Frank Conley Abernethy Jr.; and her first grandchild and namesake, Nancy Michelle Abernethy.
The family would like to thank Dr. Cu for the kind care and concern he gave her for many years. We thank the nurses of Home Health who were there week in and week out. Also, the Council on Aging who built an exceptional ramp at her home, enabling her to come and go safely.
A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, 11:00 a.m. June 3rd at Yulee United Methodist Church, Pastor Charlie Sward, officiating. The family will greet friends at 10:30 before the service and a luncheon will be provided by the ladies of the church afterwards.
It was Nancy's request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Cat's Angels, 709 S 8th St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.