Martha "Arlene" Croy Thornton passed away peacefully on August 25, 2022 at age 69.  Born at Kennestone Hospital on June 21, 1953, she was a lifelong Marietta resident and graduated from Sprayberry High School in 1971.  After working at Cobb Exchange Bank and Jim Tidwell Ford, Arlene began working as the Pastor's Secretary at Noonday Baptist Church and then became a Ministry Assistant at Noonday Baptist Association for over 25 years.  Her love for God, her family, and for people is by far her greatest contribution to this world and she had a knack for making everyone feel welcomed and important.  Forever a compassionate and sweet spirit, she left a lasting positive impact on everyone she met.

She is survived by her children, Kelly Thornton, of Woodstock, and Andrew Thornton, of Marietta, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  With her passing, Arlene joins her husband, Lanny Thornton, her parents, Clyde and Dorothy Croy, and her brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Betty Croy, in life eternal.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 10:00 am at Marietta Funeral Home, with visitation from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.  Interment will occur at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please make monetary and food donations to Storehouse Ministries or your local food bank in Arlene's memory as a continued gesture of her generosity.