Zelda Joyce Thornton

Zelda “Joyce” Howell Sensat Thornton, age 81, passed away in Pulaski, Tennessee on August 28, 2021.

Joyce was born on April 19, 1940, to the late Quillear and Lula Howell in Giles County, Tennessee.

At age 16, Joyce moved to Louisiana with her sister Christine and met Leroy Sensat. They married and had four children together and moved back to Tennessee and had four more children. After Leroy's passing, Joyce met Dee Thornton and married him, and had two more children and the rest is history.

Joyce loved her old-time music, including bluegrass and Lester Flatt. She would spend hours putting together puzzles together. Joyce was also an experienced gardener and developed a green thumb. She loved all the flowers that were placed in her garden.

Joyce is survived by her children: Judy Chapman, Andy (Jennifer) Sensat, Raymond (Diane) Sensat, David (Rita) Sensat, Jody Sensat, Glenn (Tracy) Sensat, Wilford (Lora) Sensat, Frankie Thornton, and Bobby Thornton; brothers: Bruce and Herman Howell; 19 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren and two on the way, and special cousin: Betty Papadimitriou.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husbands: Leroy Sensat and Dee Thornton; son Barry Sensat; grandson: Jason Sensat; sisters: Gladys, Edna, Lorene, Aster, Christine, Marie and Jane; brothers: Bobby and Chester; son-in-law: John Wayne Chapman.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Chapman, Chucky Vaughn, Lee, Eric, Clay, Justin, Joseph, Josh, Jacob, Kyle, Kodi, and Ronney Sensat.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, from 5-8 pm at Williams Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. Joyce’s service will be held Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 10:00 AM at Williams Funeral Home – Mt. Pleasant with Bro. Randy Kersey officiating. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be made at williamsfh.com