Phyllis Elizabeth Thornton

Phyllis Elizabeth Jackson Thornton, age 91, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, in Pinellas Park, Florida. Born on August 29, 1934, at Westerly Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Archibald and Annie Jackson.

Phyllis was raised as a proud farm girl in the Charlestown, Rhode Island area alongside her siblings, Archibald, Bud, and Beverly. Her rural upbringing instilled in her a lifelong love for country living, country music, gardening, and animals of all kinds.

After graduating high school, Phyllis’s journey took her to Connecticut and later to Florida, where she built a dynamic and trailblazing career centered on service and public safety. She began as a school bus driver before breaking barriers by completing a 240-hour firefighter course to become a Fire Inspector for the Brooksville Fire Department. She later transitioned to a position as a Building Code Inspector for Pasco County. Before her well-deserved retirement, one of her proudest professional achievements was playing an instrumental role in creating Pasco County’s original "Safety Village," leaving a lasting legacy of safety education for generations of children.

Phyllis’s dedication to her community was only matched by her devotion to her family. As a mother of boys, she was deeply involved in her sons' youth activities, serving as a dedicated Cub Scout Den Mother and actively participating in Little League Baseball and the Young Marines.

Beyond her work and family, Phyllis possessed an immense passion for life’s culinary pleasures. She was an excellent cook who truly loved delicious food, and she was always willing to travel great distances in search of a spectacular meal. A particularly cherished memory was celebrating a special anniversary seated at a exclusive "Chef’s Table."

Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Thornton Sr.; her son, Bruce Thornton; and her grandson, Richard Thornton III.

She is survived by her loving children, Richard Thornton Jr. and Edward Thornton (Michelle); her cherished grandchildren, Jacob and Morgan Thornton; and her adored great-grandchild, Holden Thornton. She also leaves behind her siblings, Archibald Jackson, Bud Jackson, and Beverly (Jackson) Twedell, along with extended family and friends.

In keeping with Phyllis’s wishes, a private family service will be held. For those wishing to honor her memory, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, charitable donations be made to a cancer research or prevention organization of your choice.