Gwendolyn B. High Haggard Thorne, 92, passed away Wednesday morning, Sept. 12, 2012 at Blumenthal’s Jewish Nursing and Rehab Center, Greensboro.
Mrs. Thorne was born Aug. 21, 1920 in Nash County to Howard Vernon and Dora Bissette High. She graduated from Charles L. Coon High School. Her first husband, “Bill” Haggard, was killed in action in Saipan during WWII. She met her husband of 63 years, John J. Thorne Sr. at a USO dance. They continued to dance through life together until his death in 2010. She is also preceded in death by her parents, her brother, H.V. High, and sister, Peggy High Helmer.
Mrs. Thorne worked as the secretary for the Superintendent of Schools in Wilson. She also worked for the Internal Revenue Service and as bookkeeper for Anderson Patrol in Greensboro. She balanced a career while also being an amazing homemaker. She would tackle any project and finish it to perfection. She enjoyed needlework, playing bridge, traveling, sewing, knitting, cooking, baking, exercising, learning and attending activities, where her children were participants, and dancing with her life partner.
Mrs. Thorne is survived by her daughter, Linda Thorne Collins and her husband, Bill, of Greensboro; sons, John J. and wife, Shelly, of Elm City, and William Howard “Billy” of Raleigh; four grandchildren, two stepgranddaughters, a great-grandson; bonus granddaughter, Coynne Robbins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 12:30-1:30 p.m., Saturday, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Pkwy. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. in Evergreen Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions in her memory to Rescue Temple Church, 601 E. Franklin Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27401 or Helping Hands Outreach Ministry (HHOM).
Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.