Joan Thornton, age 79, passed away after a brief illness at her home on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012. She is now in Heaven with her beloved husband, Wally, and son, Jeffrey Thornton.She was born on March 2, 1932 to the late Alexander and Margaret (Willick) Alexander. She graduated from Cooley High School in 1950.Joan married her "Mr. Wonderful," Walter Thornton, on Aug. 18, 1951 in Detroit. She worked for Bell Telephone Company as an operator in the early 1950s. She moved to Oscoda in 1961 when Wally was contracted to build the Hull Island Subdivision. Joan worked as a 'stylist' to the best dressed ladies in Oscoda, first at The Cottage Dress Shoppe and then at the Lady Pirate.Joan loved to volunteer, especially at the Baby Pantry and the monthly food give-away sponsored by the local churches of the Oscoda/AuSable community. She was a member of Hope Anglican Church and served on the alter guild and as the church treasurer. She was also very active with the Emmanuel Mission Shelter serving as its treasurer.She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; son, Jeffrey; and siblings, Elizabeth (Betty) Craig, John (Jack) Alexander and Joyce Manciero.Joan is survived by her daughter, Jackie (Thomas) Anderson and their four children, Ian (Gwenda), Master Sgt. Kyle (Chantel), Kathleen and Alex. Also surviving are many beloved nieces and nephews; her daughter-in-law; Julie (Thornton) Schorfhaar; and her sister-in-law and buddy, Elizabeth (Pat) Thornton.A memorial service will be held at a date yet to be announced. Memorials may be directed to the Baby Pantry, Emmanuel Mission Homeless Shelter or to the family. Cremation arrangements were made through Buresh Funeral Home in Oscoda. An on-line registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.