Ella Mae Laxson Thornley made her final journey to be with the Lord on August 6, 2018. Ella was born on September 21, 1947 to G.W. (Bill) and Adela Laxson in Mart, Texas. She was the youngest of five children. Her siblings are Melvin Laxson, Evelyn Thomas, Louise Breedlove, and Charles Laxson. She grew up in Coolidge, Texas, where she was a majorette at Coolidge High School. Ella became a Licensed Vocational Nurse in New Braunfels, Texas, and spent much of her life caring for others.
Ella married Guy Thornley on February 14, 1992 in Garland, Texas. For 26 years they have loved and cared for each other, their family, friends, and church family here in Waco, Texas. Ella was a member of Parkview Baptist Church. Her faith and love for the Lord has sustained her and carried her through her life.
Through God's grace, we have been so blessed to call her our Mother. She has been the love of our lives. Her grandchildren, Joshua Bryson, Fabian Valenzuela, Megan Werlinger, and Xavier Valenzuela, were so lucky to have her for a "Nana". Mom loved us and her grandchildren more than anything. She attended numerous football games and school events in support of us all. We could always hear her cheering for us from the stands. She taught us that family is the most important thing other than God. Thank you, Lord for our Mom.
Mom was a devoted Baylor Bears fan and enjoyed working at the Baylor football games, which she did until November 2017. She was a season ticket holder to the Baylor Lady Bears Basketball games. Mom loved to play golf and spend time with family and her close friends Becky Eastwood, Steve Jowers, and Susie Branch. Many a Friday night, you could find them playing cards and laughing together.
Ella is survived by her husband, Guy Thornley, her children Tiki Merchant, Misty Booth and husband Jory, and Suree Valenzuela, as well as her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, her brother, and her close friends.
We would like to thank all of those who prayed with us and for us, Dr. Karur and the Baylor Scott and White Oncology team, Parkview Baptist Church, and Providence Hospice. Our lives will never be the same, but we will cherish every single minute we had with Mom.
Condolences(9)
Danny Havis
Temple, TX Tuesday, August 14, 2018 So sorry for you loss. I went to school with Ella at Coolidge and always thought a lot of Her. May God be with you all in this time.Ernest Nelson
Mc Gregor, TX Friday, August 10, 2018 Sissie...There just are no words....you have always been a part of my life....It was hard enough to let Mom go but Now I no longer have you....Will always love and miss you....Daphne Thomas
Bruceville, TX Wednesday, August 8, 2018 Aunt Sissy - I can't believe your gone. My heart is broken, its like losing my mom all over again. My heart goes out to Tiki, Misty & Suree I know their pain. You were always there for us kids when needed. I idolized you for your unconditional love not just for me but for everyone. I will forever miss you but I know your no longer in pain. Love you!Misty Booth
McGregor, TX Tuesday, August 7, 2018 I read this and it doesn't seem real, Mom. I love you and have depended on you all my life. I thank God that you taught me how to be a strong, independent, person. You were larger than life-- fiesty, fun, loving, hardworking, and honest. I surely was not ready to let you go, but I didn't want you to suffer any longer. I am selfish- I still want my Mom. I will miss you every day until I see you again. I love you Mom. Thank you for everything. I know that you are healthy, happy, and as beautiful as ever up in Heaven.Bonnie Wood
CEDAR PARK, TX Tuesday, August 7, 2018 I grew up in Coolidge and knew your mom. I am so sorry for your loss. Ella Mae was a very sweet lady.Johnny Ferrill & Robby & Cassidy, & Tylor Bruce
Elm Mott, TX Tuesday, August 7, 2018 Guy,We are so very sorry for your loss! We pray for you and your family to find strength during your time of loss! We are here for you!
Johnny Ferrill
Robby, Cassidy & Tylor Bruce
Faye
Van Horn, TX Monday, August 6, 2018 An empty feeling is filling me because of the loss of my aunt, sister, and friend. Sissie, I know that you are no longer suffering and that you are catching up with Mammaw, Grandaddle, Mama, Daddy, Ese, Uncle Charles, and Aunt Betty. I just wasn't ready to see you leave us. Give everyone love and hugs and intercede for us when we run into trouble. Until we meet again, please know that I love you and am so proud to have been a part of your life.Vickie and Jeff Williams
Woodway, TX Monday, August 6, 2018 Misty,My heart aches for you and your family during this time. Your mom was such an amazing person and she will truly be missed by all. Our condolences.
Love,
Vickie & Jeff Williams
Jim reid
Robinson, TX Monday, August 6, 2018 So sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Ella's. She was very special lady