Genevieve Marie Thornton's Obituary
God called one of his precious saints home on January 20, 2009. Genevieve Runyon Raef Thornton joined her Lord and Savior in heaven after 90 years on this earth. Born September 8, 1918 in Austin, Texas, to Al and Gertrude Leatherwood Runyon, she lived all but the first few months of her life in Dallas. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Dallas, for 75 years, having joined as a teenager. She served there as a Sunday School teacher, Training Union leader, and was active in Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), serving as president in 1967-68. One of her joys was teaching conversational English to a Taiwanese student for many years. A graduate of North Dallas High School in 1936, she was involved in the dramatic arts as a member of the Howard Players. She married Wiliam Evans (Bill) Raef in 1939, and they enjoyed 41 years together before his death in 1980. She was a homemaker and devoted her life to her family and their activities. Her marriage to James Ernest (Jim) Thornton in 1983 ended with his death in 2005. She is survived by two children, Julie Raef Choate of Colleyville, TX and Bill Raef, of Dallas; four grandchildren, Chris Choate and wife Sherry; Craig Choate; David Raef and Lea Webb; Robin Raef Brown, and husband Mike; ansd three great grandchildren, Austin, Alexis and Cody Choate. Four step-children: Fred Thornton, Mel Thornton, Doris Morris and Harriet Tolar. The family is especially grateful for the loving care she received at Retirement Inn at Forest Lane, and Silver Gardens Assisted Living, and the special services of Vista Care Hospice. The family requests memorial remembrances be directed to the charity of your choice, or Library Fund at First Baptist Church, Dallas. Services will be held at 12:30PM, Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Restland Wildwood Chapel. Visitation will be from 5-7PM, Friday at Restland Funeral Home.
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