Carolyn Lawrence Thornton
February 19, 1949 — May 31, 2024
"In the vast expanse of night's grand dome, a beacon of light, the North Star shone." Born February 19, 1949, Carolyn Lawrence Thornton of Conway, Arkansas passed away May 31, 2024. She was the daughter of Howard and Montine Lawrence of Greenbrier, and a graduate of Greenbrier High School, where she was a popular classmate and star athlete on the girls’ basketball team.
In the 1980s, after working with the Arkansas Department of Natural and Cultural Heritage, Carolyn launched a decades-long career in travel and tourism. Through her North Star Travel agency, Carolyn became the go-to connection for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest, Reggae Sunsplash, Sumfest, and all things Caribbean.
Carolyn was a free spirit and much-loved companion on the local and regional music scene. From her early days with Arkansas Blues Connection and River Blues Society to Little Rock & Reggae, and the airwaves of KABF, Carolyn will long be remembered laughing and swaying to the "ridim" and beat.
Carolyn is predeceased by her parents, and sister Rosemary Hamel. She is survived by her son Chad Thornton of Conway; grandsons Jordan (Brenda) Adams and Tristen Bess, and Tristen's mother Amie Bess; two great grandchildren; and nieces Jenifer Hamel and Monty (Cary) Bradburn. Also surviving are Carolyn's beloved canine housemates Boot and Bigg.
The family will gather privately at Pearson Cemetery in Greenbrier, where Carolyn will join her parents, grandparents, and other loved ones in eternal flight.
"With longing hearts, we raise our gaze, and follow the light through all of time. For in the depths of night's embrace, the brightest star forever shines." Online guestbook at WilcoxFamilyFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.
In the 1980s, after working with the Arkansas Department of Natural and Cultural Heritage, Carolyn launched a decades-long career in travel and tourism. Through her North Star Travel agency, Carolyn became the go-to connection for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest, Reggae Sunsplash, Sumfest, and all things Caribbean.
Carolyn was a free spirit and much-loved companion on the local and regional music scene. From her early days with Arkansas Blues Connection and River Blues Society to Little Rock & Reggae, and the airwaves of KABF, Carolyn will long be remembered laughing and swaying to the "ridim" and beat.
Carolyn is predeceased by her parents, and sister Rosemary Hamel. She is survived by her son Chad Thornton of Conway; grandsons Jordan (Brenda) Adams and Tristen Bess, and Tristen's mother Amie Bess; two great grandchildren; and nieces Jenifer Hamel and Monty (Cary) Bradburn. Also surviving are Carolyn's beloved canine housemates Boot and Bigg.
The family will gather privately at Pearson Cemetery in Greenbrier, where Carolyn will join her parents, grandparents, and other loved ones in eternal flight.
"With longing hearts, we raise our gaze, and follow the light through all of time. For in the depths of night's embrace, the brightest star forever shines." Online guestbook at WilcoxFamilyFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.
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