Mayme Marie Thornell

 Mayme Marie Thornell, born on March 4, 1937, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away on February 5, 2026, in her hometown. A beloved member of Brushy Holiness Church and a devoted homemaker, Mayme's life was a testament to love, service, and cherished relationships.

Mayme had a diverse career that included working at Sallisaw Nursing Home, OK Foods, and Stilwell Cannery. She also took pride in cleaning hotel rooms and serving as a caretaker for the elderly. Her dedication to others was evident in all aspects of her work.

She received her education from Brushy and Sallisaw Schools, and throughout her life, she nurtured a variety of interests, including crocheting, writing letters, reading the Bible, and attending church. Her warm personality shone through her hobbies; she was known for her excellent memory and her love of singing old songs. Mayme delighted in cooking, particularly frying chicken and fried apple pies. She loved using lard in her recipes—a true reflection of her treasured family traditions.

Mayme met her husband, Jimmy Thornell, while he was training at Fort Chaffee Army Base. They were married on October 15, 1955.

Mayme is survived by her four beloved children: James Thornell, and companion, Susie Lockhart, Lee Thornell, and wife, Dee, Jerry Thornell, and fiancée, Lisa Dame, and Susan Poindexter, who carry on her legacy of love and dedication. She is also survived by one step-daughter, Shirley Roberts, and husband, Ronnie, of Texas; six grandchildren, Marlin Thornell and wife, Ashley, Timothy Thornell, Kristy Stratton and husband, JR, Sabrina Spalding and husband, Gary, Brooke Shepard and husband, Brendan, and Weslee Thornell; two step-grandchildren, Lynette Darden and Ronald Roberts; eight great-grandchildren, Christopher Olde, Maggie Thornell, Addison Shofner, Aspen Stratton, Wesley, Stormie and Westin Thornell, Ira Shepard, and one great-grandson on the way, Remington Shepard; nine step great-grandchildren, Jasper and Clara Campbell, Landon and Lily Darden, Weston and Coleton Roberts, and Audrie, Kylie, and Carlie Shepard.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Thornell; her parents, Willie "Sut" Bias and Eva Bias; her daughter, Christine Blevins; her daughter-in-law, Sheila Thornell; her half-brother, Pete Bias; her son-in-law, Carl Blevins; her son-in-law, Ira Poindexter; and her grandson, Carl Robert Blevins; her grandson, Christopher Shawn Thornell; her grandson-in-law, Aaron Henson; and her great-granddaughter, Lakelyn Thornell.

Friends and family are invited to honor Mayme’s life with a visitation on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Brushy Holiness Church in Sallisaw. Burial will follow at Brushy Cemetery. Brother Lee Thornell, Brother Darren Baggs, Brother Johnny Watkins, and Sister Tammy Tatham will be speakers at the service. Pallbearers will be Marlin Thornell, Weslee Thornell, Westin Thornell, Gary Spalding, Jackie Phillips, and Kendall Marley. Honorary pallbearers are Paul Philpot, Wayne Brown, Archie Risenhoover, Joseph "Frank" Gindhart, Timothy Thornell, David Haskins, Charley Woody, Dennis Risenhoover, Donnie Clark, Steve Mosby, Dean Mosby, and Brenden Shepard.

Mayme Marie Thornell will always be remembered for her nurturing spirit, culinary talents, and unwavering love for her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched and the memories they hold dear.