Nita Beth Thornton

Nita Beth Thornton, devoted mother and cherished grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 31, 2025 at the age of 93. A graveside service will be held at the CS Cemetery Aggie Field of Honor on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 1:00pm.

Nita was born on December 5, 1932 in Comanche, Texas to Lula Bessie Kingston Bowdoin and Paul H. Bowdoin. She grew up in Mont Belvieu, Texas where she played basketball and was a cheerleader for Barbers Hill High. She attended Lee College in Baytown and the University of Texas before meeting and marrying the love of her life, William S. “Bill” Thornton, in 1953.

Nita and Bill built a beautiful life together. They found great joy in traveling the globe and enjoying new experiences with friends and family. Those trips were filled with stories, laughter and photos that they would cherish for years to come. Nita and Bill loved living in BCS and rarely missed an opportunity to be a part of local events that they felt would be helpful in creating a stronger community and collaboration between Bryan, College Station and Texas A&M. They often said how glad they were to have chosen Bryan as their permanent place to settle down and raise a family.

First and foremost, Nita was a mother and homemaker. She prepared homemade meals daily and everyone was expected to be at the dinner table on time which proved to be a family blessing in itself. Nita spent countless hours driving carpools, following her children and grandchildren to various sporting events, and creating special meals and memories for her family. Her chocolate birthday cakes with money and tiny animals hidden inside were something that everyone looked forward to!

Nita was a member of the Texas A&M Garden Club and a lifetime member of the Woman’s Club. She served as President for the Brazos County Bar Association Women’s Auxiliary and volunteered as a Pink Lady for St. Joseph Hospital for many years. After her children were grown, she kept herself busy by working with her daughter at Truly Trish Clothing and Gift Shop, and for Ingram, Wallis & Co, CPAs during tax season.

Over the years, Nita enjoyed collecting antiques and rocks from their travels, trips with grandchildren, shopping and Dallas Market Center visits, and playing bridge. She enjoyed canvas oil painting and many of her paintings are now displayed in the homes of her children and grandchildren. Nita was a creative and beautiful soul and will be sorely missed by family and others who knew her.

Nita was preceded in death by her loving husband Bill, her parents and her three brothers (Paul Jr., Cleve and Marshall).

Nita is survived by her dear sister-in-law Violet Bowdoin (wife of Paul Jr.), two sons and daughter-in-laws, William S. “Bill” Jr. and Sandra Thornton of Bryan and Bodley and Karen Thornton of Bryan; one daughter and son-in-law, Trish and Hubert Havel of Bryan; eleven grandchildren, Dane Thornton, Kylar Thornton, Alexis and Sam Baker, Taylor and Dr. John Spikes, Davis Hanson, James Hanson, Jacob Hanson; and Kayla and Cal Campbell, Paul and Dr. Iman Thornton, Kaitlyn Thornton; and Ashley and Randy Hildebrandt; and nine great-grandchildren, Rylan, Kingston, Huntley, Kasslyn, Boeh, Cash, Grace, Noa Lula and Trace.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Crestview and Acara Hospice.

Memorials may be made to United Methodist Retirement Community Foundation, Bryan ISD Education Foundation or a charity of choice. Share words of comfort with the family at www.CallawayJones.com.