Octavia Thornton entered into eternal rest peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family on the evening of Saturday, August 29, 2020. She was born in Winston Salem, NC to the late George and Ola Richardson.

Octavia was a brilliant, opinionated, elegant, and poised woman with a fiercely independent spirit. She created a legacy all her own defined by her deep and unconditional love for family and friends. A quick wit with unapologetic wisdom, this timeless matriarch held space for everyone, remembered every birthday and every shared story. It's impossible to fully capture her beauty, compassion, and zest for life in words but we can reflect on her full life of love, laughter, and light.

A story all her own, Octavia was a native of Winston Salem, North Carolina. She grew up with eleven brothers and sisters in a close-knit and lively family. She graduated from Atkins High School amidst the turbulence of the segregated south and her passion for learning earned her a degree in nursing from the University of Bridgeport. She went on to break barriers, as an accomplished Registered Nurse and she retired after 33 years of service. She was one of the first African-American women overseeing nursing care in the operating rooms of Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut. Octavia was also a Second Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol Unit and was appointed Assistant Finance Officer for the Connecticut Wing Civil Air Patrol for the United States Air Force. A steadfast community leader and activist, she worked for many years with the Women's League of Voters, volunteered with the Salvation Army, and the United Way.

Octavia was a member of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Bridgeport, CT for over 50 years. She served on numerous guilds, church committees, and was an active leader in the church. She worked diligently to facilitate Saint Mark's annual sponsorship of the Ebony Fashion Fair. She continued her spiritual journey with Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in North Carolina and served with the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), and the Saint Ann's Guild over the years. She enjoyed Bible study and was inducted into the Clemmons Chapter of Achievers.

Octavia has been recognized for her community achievements. She founded the Bridgeport, CT Chapter of Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Alpha Epsilon Chapter, a sisterhood of business and professional women. She served as Basileus for several terms and was awarded the Distinguished Key of Service Award in 1995. She was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Saint Stephen's Church.

She has two children, Reginald Donnell Cathey and Joyce Dean Cathey Anderson, from her first marriage to John Cathey. She loved her children, and worked hard to provide for all their endeavors. She raised them with an appreciation of family, history, and education. They graduated from Defiance College in Ohio in the sixties and established accomplished careers in education.

Octavia later married the late Harry W. Thornton in 1972. They shared a joy of traveling, dancing, cooking, and for over 40 years they built a home filled with love and lasting memories. After retirement, Octavia and Harry moved to her dream home in her beloved Winston Salem, NC.

Octavia is preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters. She is survived by loving sister Evelyn Foster, brothers Benjamin Richardson, Wilbert (Jean) Richardson, Ronald (Celanda) Richardson, and cousin Ramsey (Ida) Cathey. She is survived by her two children Reginald Donnell (Linda) Cathey and Joyce Dean (Hank) Anderson. Her Grandchildren: Thomas Wayne Cooper, Reginald Donnell (Tameka) Cathey Jr., Donna Lynn (John) Sodipo, Chanel Cathey, Larry Wayne (LaShonna) Johnson Jr., Corey Dean (Kelly) Johnson Sr., Kelley Lynn (Melvin) Davis, and Candace Nicole Diamond.  Great Grandchildren: Lindsey Diaz, Eleisha Johnson, Nicholas Abbot, Chanel Felix, Octavia Cathey, Regina Cathey, Amber Cathey, Nick Jones, Noah Cathey, Nia Cathey, Madison Sodipo, Ashanti (Andre) Moore, Amari Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Addison Johnson, Corey Johnson Jr., Joshua Johnson, Savannah Diamond, Stevie Diamond, Tanika (Nolan) Zepeda, Nate Davis, Isiah Davis. Great-Great Grandchildren:  Paige, Jayla, Makai, Amaris, Layla, Tristen, Aubrie, and Braden.

She also leaves behind adopted families, loving and devoted neighbors: Grace and Greg Baugh (children - Anna, Abbey, and Lily), and Leigh Green (children - Isabelle and Molly). She will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors and dear friends. She is also preceded in death by her caregiver and friend Lisa I James.

A service celebrating her life will be conducted 11am Tuesday, September 8, 2020 in the Hooper Funeral Home Chapel and will be streamed live through Facebook, accessible by clicking the Facebook tab located on this website's homepage.