REIDSVILLE, NC - Mrs. Florence Ann Thornton Waddell, age 79, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025 at her residence.

Public viewing will begin on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 12 until 6 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025 from the McLaurin-Harris Memorial Chapel, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by the service at 1 p.m. Reverend Paul N. Milton, eulogist.

The committal and interment will follow in Greenveiw Cemetery, Reidsville, NC.

All other times, the family will receive friends at the home, 411 Gardner Street, Reidsville, NC.

Florence was born in Rockingham County to Rhoda Ann Thornton on January 10, 1946.

She was educated in the local public schools and attended Booker T. Washington High School.

She was a former member of Assembly Faith Christian Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Jessie Mae Cobb.

She was a homemaker and had a loving spirit. She loved cooking and had the best potato salad, salmon croquet and apples.

In her spare-time she loved watching the stories and playing cards. You could often find her at a yard sale and visiting flea markets.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her son, Lea Oliver Waddell; daughters, Irene Waddell and April Waddell; great-granddaughter, Anaysha Waddell; sister, Doris Johnson.

Survivors include children, Teresa Neal, John Waddell and Cherry Waddell; grandchildren, April Spence (Tommy), Laronda Waddell, Lavon Waddell, Kureka Waddell and Mayra Waddell; brothers, James Lee Thornton (Ute), and Alphonso Thornton; sister, Leona McKinnon (Johnny); nieces, Lavern Thornton and Dr. Nikki Thornton; nephews, Telly Thornton and Kai Thornton; special friends, Margaret Courts, Lawson Chandler and Joan Courts;13 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; a host of relatives and friends

Service by McLaurin-Harris