Deborah Thornton Sanders

Deborah Thornton Sanders, age 72, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023.

Deborah was born in Elberton to the late R.D. Thornton and Rachel McCurley Thornton.  She was a member of Rock Branch Baptist Church.

A kind and generous person, Deborah always put others above herself.  She will be most remembered for her “Bless your hearts,” her phone calls, and her love for others- whether it be mankind or animals.  She would even call certain business offices on Boss’ Day and thank them because she was afraid no one else would.  Her giving heart carried over into her career where she devoted nearly 30 years to the physical therapy department as a nurse at Elbert Memorial Hospital. Simply stated, the world was a better place with Deborah in it.

When Deborah wasn’t on the phone looking after others, she could be found in front of the television watching the Georgia Bulldogs or Nascar.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her friend and Mistie’s father, Van Sanders; and her brother, Steve Thornton. 

Deborah is survived by her daughter, Mistie Sanders East (Jason); sister, Angela Payton (Wayne); sister in law, Linda Sanders; her aunt, Myra McCurly Cook; and her faithful canine companion, Josie.  She also enjoyed spoiling her nieces, Stacie Brown Warwick (Brian) and Kristen Payton; and great nephew and great niece, Ian Warwick and Myla Warwick.  

Funeral services will take place at 2:00 P.M. Monday, June 12, 2023 in the Chapel of Hicks Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park.  

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  

Please sign the online guestbook at, www.hicksfuneral.com.

Arrangements for Deborah Thornton Sanders are in the care of Hicks Funeral Home and Cremation Services.