Mattie Jo Thornburg

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford Mattie Jo Thornburg, 80, passed away on October 20, 2025 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi. Visitation will be on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church (124 County Road 519 Como, MS, 38619). A funeral service will immediately follow on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. also at New Hope Baptist Church. Jo was born on August 7, 1945 in Oxford, Mississippi to the late Theron and Ludie Johnson. She had an enduring love for cats, often sharing her home with her feline companions, who were as cherished as family. Her fondness for stuffed animals, particularly her collection of bears, brought her immense joy, reminding all who knew her of her gentle and nurturing heart. In her younger days, Jo would enjoy the occasional fishing trip, often sharing peaceful moments by the water, where she could relax and connect with nature. She also had a keen eye for treasure, frequently attending auctions and indulging in her favorite pastime—shopping at Walmart, where she could always find a good deal and a reason to smile. As a great cook, Jo's kitchen was always filled with the aroma of her delicious meals, delighting family and friends alike. She took immense pride in preparing food that brought people together, creating lasting memories around the dinner table. Jo's love for New Hope Baptist Church community was unwavering, as she found solace and joy in her faith, nurturing her spiritual life with dedication and kindness. She also traveled with her husband, Don, when he would move around to pastor churches from Louisiana, all the way to different churches in Mississippi. No matter where Don pastored, she was always his biggest supporter. Her compassion also extended to her cherished role as a grandmother, where she devoted herself to her grandchildren, showering them with love, wisdom, and the quirkiest stories. She will truly be missed by all who knew her. Mattie is survived by her loving husband, Don Thornburg of Abbeville, MS; her daughter, Darlene Samson (Johnny) of Joplin, MO; her three sons, Greg Frye (Cynthia) of Oxford, MS, Lee Frye (Ashley) of Abbeville, MS, and James Frye (Laci) of Oxford, MS; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Billie Jean Johnson of Oxford, MS. She is preceded in death by her parents, Theron and Ludie Johnson; her two sisters, Louise Striplin and Martha Norwood; and one brother, Harold Wayne Johnson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations and memorials in honor of Mattie Jo Thornburg be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://tinyurl.com/3zhr64wx). The staff at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is honored to serve the family during this challenging season of life. Condolences may be expressed online on her Tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com.

Mattie Jo Thornburg

August 7, 1945 - October 20, 2025

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