Rosie Thornton Bynum, 77, of Kingsford Heights, Ind., passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at Franciscan Health, Michigan City, Ind.
She was born Jan. 16, 1944, in Lehi, Ark., the daughter of Willis and Jessie (Harris) Thornton. She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Lehi Baptist Church.
Rosie received her formative education in Crawfordsville, Ark., and graduated from McNiel High School in 1963. She went on to attend Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Ark. In 1966 Rose relocated to Kingsford Heights. She was employed at American Home Food for 15 years until it closed. She then attended cosmetology school and became a professional beautician in Michigan City, Ind., until she retired. She became a member of First Baptist Church of Kingsford Heights, where she served as a choir member and trustee. Rose enjoyed life to the fullest and greatly cherished the time she spent with family and friends.
Rose was preceded in death by her father and mother; 3 sisters, Annie Thorton, Lorene Bean and Mary Thornton; and 2 brothers, Arthur Thornton and Willis “Bill” Thornton III.
She is survived by her son, Warren Bynum of Kingsford Heights; daughter, Nicole Moore of Allentown, Pa.; 5 grandchildren, Antonio Metheney, Jasmine Baker, Warren Bynum, Jr., Anija Bynum and Tiandra Trent; 3 great-grandchildren, Aasir Bynum, Nevaeh Trent and Maurizio Hansen; 6 sisters, Dorothy (Robert) Nelson of Little Rock, Martha Williams of West Memphis, Ark., Betty Evans of Kingsford Heights, Bobbie (Chester) Thompson of Herald, Ark., and Wilma Williams and Freddie Thornton of West Memphis, Ark.; brother, Larry (Toni) Thornton of Kingsford Heights; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends Friday, June 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Kingsford Heights. A celebration of her life will immediately follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Cremation will take place.
Anyone attending these events is required to wear a mask.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, Va. 22116-7023 or online at www.diabetes.org.
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