Wanda Jean Thornsberry

Wanda Jean (Maxey) Thornsberry was born on January 6, 1931, to Monte Cristo and Mary Catherine (McClary) Maxey near Hannah, MO, and departed this life on May 16, 2024, in Ozark, MO, at the age of 93 years, 4 months, and 10 days. Wanda Jean was united in marriage to Robert Max Thornsberry, Sr. on February 21, 1953.Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Robert Max, Jr. and Michael Dean. Wanda Jean began her career at the age of 16, in St. Louis, MO, employed by the Milton Oil Company. By the time she was 18, she was the office manager. This fact should surprise no one! She later moved and worked in the state of California for a time, before returning to Missouri, to marry the love of her life, Bobby. Most of her career was spent at Ft. Leonard Wood, beginning in June of 1954 and continuing until her retirement after over 43 years of service. At the time of her retirement, she had attained the title of Installation Supervisory Accountant for five military bases. After retirement, she loved to travel, and Bobby went along. They took numerous trips, including Alaska, Greece, and from coast to coast for weddings, visiting relatives, and cousin reunions. She also traveled to Ireland, England and Wales, taking her granddaughter, Jessica, and on her last major trip in 2012, traveled to Spain, France and Italy, with a group that included several Richland area residents and her daughter-in-law, Brenda. Wanda Jean was 81 years old! Her family and church family were very important to her. She was a member of the Swedeborg Baptist Church for most of her life-nearly 70 years, and faithfully attended and served in the church, until her move to the Baptist Home in Ozark, MO in October 2021. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Robert Max Thornsberry, Jr. (Brenda) of Richland, MO and Dr. Michael Dean Thornsberry (Susan) of Poplar Bluff, MO. Four grandchildren survive-Dr. Jonathan Thornsberry (Holli) of Ozark, MO, Jessica Hartman (Travis) of St. Charles, MO, Melissa Oakes (Austin) of Knoxville, TN, and Sarah Thornsberry of Knoxville, TN. Her great-grandchildren are Jacob, Jordan (Nick), Johanna, Jensen, Stella, Margot, Isaiah, Frankie, Joshua, Sarah Grace, and Daniel. Also surviving are sisters Ruby Elizabeth Melton of Springfield, MO and Mary Lee Cox of Marianna, AR, and sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Maxey of Crocker, MO and Candy Maxey of Plano. Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 61 years, Robert “Bobby” Max Thornsberry, Sr., brothers-Monte, Jack, and Gus Maxey, sisters-Genevieve Dawson, Frenchie Cook, and Christeen Fordyce. Visitation will be held on May 22, 2024 at 10:00 am, with services to follow at 11:00 am, at the Swedeborg Baptist Church, Swedeborg, MO, with burial to follow at the Bethlehem Cemetery, Swedeborg, MO. Donations may be made in memory of Wanda Jean Thornsberry to the Free Women’s Center or Operation Christmas Child by writing a check to the Cornerstone Baptist Church and designating the charity. Contributions may also be made to Gideons International.

Wanda Jean Thornsberry

January 6, 1931 - May 16, 2024