Carolyn Tanner Thornton

Carolyn Tanner Thornton, 84, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Born on September 10, 1941, in Washington, D.C., Carolyn’s life was defined by her love for her family and her unwavering kindness.

Carolyn was first married to her late husband, Thomas Nelson Tanner Sr. Together, they built a life and welcomed three children: Tommy Nelson Tanner Jr, Timmy Nathan Tanner, and her beloved daughter, Carole Diane Buchanan. During this time, Carolyn pursued a successful career as a realtor, where her warmth and dedication helped countless families find their dream homes.

Later in life, Carolyn found love again with her husband, Steven William Thornton, who survives her. As a homemaker during their marriage, she created a warm and loving home that was the heart of the family. She was a cherished presence in the lives of her stepchildren, Geoffrey Shamus Thornton and Tamara Shannon Thornton, who will remember her as a loving and supportive mother.

Carolyn’s greatest joy was her family. She was a treasured mother and grandmother to 8 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren, who were all the lights of her life. She loved gardening, caring for her Yorkies, and hosting her family during the holidays. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter that would spread to all those around her, her compassionate spirit that provided to those in need, her unconditional love that she gave so freely, and for her love of music, which is why everyone who knew her called her "Lala".

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas Nelson Tanner Sr., her parents, Earl and Eileen Williams, her brother Ray Williams, and her grandchildren Ashley Tanner and Benjamin Buchanan.

She is survived by her loving husband, Steven William Thornton; her brother Ronnie Williams; her children, Tommy Nelson Tanner Jr, Timmy Nathan Tanner, and Carole Diane Buchanan; her stepchildren, Geoffrey Shamus Thornton and Tamara Shannon Thornton; her 6 surviving grandchildren, Christina Alderson, Mark Alderson, Crystal Matheson, Luke Buchanan, Hannia Josselyn, and Trey Tanner; her 6 step-grandchildren Rebecca Dockendorf, Sydney Dockendorf, Alexis Thornton, Caleb Dockendorf, Christine Thornton, and Cory Dockendorf; and her 2 great-grandchildren Jasmine Matheson and Vanesa Matheson.

A service to celebrate Carolyn's life will be held Saturday, December 6th, at the Laurel Church of Christ from 11 am to 12:30 pm, with viewing preceding the service at 10 am, and a funeral procession to Lakemont Memorial Gardens immediately after services for all who wish to attend. There will be lunch provided at the church building afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, a charitable organization close to her heart. For those unable to attend services, a livestream will be hosted on the Laurel Church of Christ YouTube page. Click Link Below https://www.youtube.com/@laurelchurchMD

The following is more information about the organizations providing services and information for those wishing to make a charitable donation:

Funeral services provided by

Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A. 313 Talbott Ave Laurel, MD 20707 (301) 725-1690

Flowers provided by

Amanda’s Arrangements 3330 Route 198 Burtonsville, MD 20866 (301) 384-4620

Memorial services provided by

Laurel Church of Christ 7111 Cherry Ln Laurel, MD 20707 (301) 490-0777 https://www.youtube.com/@laurelchurchMD

Cemetery services provided by

Lakemont Memorial Gardens 900 W Central Ave Davidson, MD 21035 (410) 269-0514

Charitable donations can be made online or sent to

Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, Inc. PO Box 111180 Nashville, TN 37222-1180 https://www.disasterreliefeffort.org/donate