Janet Jo Thornton, age 81, of Coldwater, MI, went home to Jesus on Wednesday morning, May 19, 2021, at Parkview Hospital Randallia in Fort Wayne, IN.  Janet was born to Joe and Thelma (Merrifield) Bryant on April 30, 1940, in Marshall, Michigan.

Janet is survived by her five children, Jay (Steph) Thornton of New Milford, PA, Nancy Thornton of Macclenny, FL, Kristi Thornton of Grand Rapids, MI, Gregory (Jill) Thornton of Bluffton, IN, and Shelby Kunk (Greg Kock) of Angola, IN; seven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.  She is also survived by one sister Nancy (Mickey) Garber of Escanaba, MI; a nephew, Paul (Jessica) Garber; three great nephews, and two great nieces.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a nephew, Joe Garber.

A 1958 graduate of Marshall High School, Janet would later receive her nursing degree from Kellogg Community College in Battlecreek, MI.  She was a long-time member of the Coldwater United Methodist Church.  Her faith and love for others were extremely important to her.  She was involved in many activities at the church but her favorite was the Mary Martha Ministry.

Over her lifetime, Janet has been a stay-at-home mother, a business owner/operator, a psych nurse, and an enthusiast of gardening, reading and puzzles.  Throughout it all, her greatest joys have been church and family, touching lives with her faith and love.

Visitation will be Friday, May 21, 2021, from 9:30 until 11:00 AM, with a memorial service immediately following visitation at 11:00 AM, at the Coldwater United Methodist Church, Coldwater, MI.  Pastor Julie Yoder-Elmore will officiate.

Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton, IN, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to either the church, or Forgotten Children Worldwide.