Leigh, Freddie Thornton's Obituary
Freddie Tommie Knight Thornton Leigh – 1925-2026
Freddie was born on July 31,1925 to Frederick Thomas and Willie Mae Knight at Lake Panasoffkee, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents; her precious daughter, Karen; two husbands, Jeff Thornton and David Leigh; her two sisters, Winifred Galbreath and Grace Podsiadlo; and her brother, Bill Knight. She is survived by her sons Shannon Thornton (Sue) and Randall Thornton (Linda); her daughters, Janice Griffin (Bill) and Amy Coward (David); her stepdaughter, Debbie Sterling; her son-in-law, Howard Hitchcock; her 16 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Freddie graduated from Bushnell High School and was salutatorian of her class. She played baritone horn in the band and the violin in a musical ensemble. She was married to Jeff Thornton on May 30, 1943. As her family grew, she became active in the PTA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Women’s Club, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was a member of Wildwood United Methodist Church for 79 years, during which time she taught Sunday School, sang alto in the choir, was active in United Methodist Women, and chaired many committees.
In addition to her local service, Freddie served on the board of trustees at Lake Sumter Community College and was proud to have her children and grandchildren attend there. In her later years, she was a volunteer at Leesburg Regional Medical Center for several years, working in the coffee and gift shops.
Freddie enjoyed square-dancing for more than 40 years as a member of the Happy Hoedowners, and she bowled in a local bowling league for many years as well. She was even champion of the Wii bowling team at American House Senior Living.
Artistic endeavors were also important to Freddie. She was a gifted craftsman at sewing, having made many of her daughter’s clothes, including bridesmaids’ dresses for weddings. She was an excellent cook and baker and became a talented painter in her later years.
One of Freddie’s most noted skills was her Scrabble-playing acumen. She had a great vocabulary and was the family champion at beach vacations and other get-togethers. No one else had a chance.
Freddie Tommie was named for her father, who pre-deceased her. Though she was never fond of her name, she was provided many other terms of endearment throughout the years
- Mom, Grandma, Mama Fornt , Grams– by all of us who loved her. She will be dearly missed.
A memorial service for immediate family will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations, Wildwood. Online condolences may be shared at https://www.bankspagetheus.com.
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