Sarah Longino Thornton, of Memphis, Tenn., formerly of Tutwiler and Clarksdale, Miss., passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.
Sarah was born in Clarksdale, Miss., on Oct. 29, 1938, and was the daughter of John Thomas Longino, Jr., and Florence Wilsford Longino of Jonestown, Miss. She was the sister of Lucille Longino Owen (Will) and the late John Thomas Longino III (Jane).
She graduated from Clarksdale High School and attended Southwestern College (Rhodes College) her freshman year. Though she would never admit it, she then followed a boy and graduated from the University of Mississippi. Of course, she married that boy, James Phenix Walker, an attorney and a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives until his tragic death in 1966.
After Jimmy’s death, Sarah married Philip Henry Thornton III and lived on Hopson Bayou Plantation outside of Tutwiler, Miss., for many years.
While in Mississippi, Sarah was a founding member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent, serving on the Altar Guild and teaching Sunday school. She served on the Board at Delta Academy for many years, was a devoted member of the Delta Sewing Club, and taught English at Lee Academy in Clarksdale, Miss. Sarah was an avid tennis player and snow skier. She enjoyed Mahjong, Bridge and backseat driving.
Eventually, Sarah moved to Memphis, Tenn., under the guise of being the National Alumni Director of Chi Omega Fraternity. In reality, the move was to be near her two beloved grandchildren.
Sarah was deeply involved in Memphis, serving on the Altar Guild at St. John’s Episcopal Church, as a member of the National Society of the Colonial Dames, the Antiquarians, and the Tuesday Study Club. She also served on the Board for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Walker Benz (Howard); and her two grandchildren, Walker McShan Benz (Ellen) and Hudson Granville Benz; and her nieces and nephews, Will Whitten Owen, Jr. (Julia), Elizabeth Owen Kuhlo (Chris), John Thomas Longino IV, and Reade Longino Tidwell (Bob).
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Sumner, Miss., on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Visitation is at 10 a. m. in the parish hall, and the service will begin at 11 a. m.. Following the Celebration of Life, there will be a private graveside service.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Memphis, Tenn.
