Vivian May (Steinbeck) Thornsberry

Vivian Thornsberry, age 96, of Sumner, passed away Friday, January 21, 2022.

*Due to Covid-19 and the rising numbers of illness in our area, the family request that you please wear a mask and properly social distance when attending services.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield with Pastor Charles Littrell officiating.  Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Sumner.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorials to Lakeside Cemetery or American Legion Auxiliary Post #586 may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.

Vivian May, daughter of John Frederick and Elsie May (McPherson) Steinbeck, was born September 20, 1925, in Mendon.  On December 24, 1943, she married Floyd “Pevis” Thornsberry.

Vivian was a homemaker and enjoyed crafting and quilting.  Vivian loved having her family around and cooking the family favorites.

Vivian was a member of the Sumner United Methodist Church where she was involved in the United Methodist Women.  She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #586 for 74 years, Swan Lake Extension Club, and one of the founding members of the Pioneer Kitchen in Sumner. 

Survivors include three children, Sue Watts of Brunswick, Larry Thornsberry and wife, Lois of Lee’s Summit, and Linda Lewis of Gretna, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, Terry Watts and wife, Carla of Sumner, Tonya Dallas and husband, John of Blue Springs, Jeff Thornsberry and wife, Gretchen of Maryville, Chris Thornsberry and wife, Melissa of Pleasant Hill, Andy Lewis and wife, Darci of Crestwood, Kentucky, Matt Lewis of Gretna, Nebraska, and Missy Schere and husband, George of Waverly, Nebraska; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Erma McAllister of Mendon; one sister-in-law, Ruth Daugherity of Chillicothe; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Floyd “Pevis” Thornsberry; her parents; eight siblings, Frank, John, Ed, Joe, Edith, and Betty Steinbeck, Ruth Garr, and Verna Duvall; and two sons-in-law, Larry Watts, and Steve Lewis.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vivian May (Steinbeck) Thornsberry, please visit our floral store.