Mrs. Lillie Mae King Thorpe

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Lillie Mae King Thorpe March 20th, 1936 - April 30th 2025 Mrs. Lillie Mae King Thorpe, age 89, a lifelong resident of Foley, Alabama, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her beloved husband, John Walter “Jack” Thorpe, and other loving family members. Born to Henry Alan and Lillie Inez Parker King of Foley, Mae was raised with her sister Norma Dean King Moore, who was not only her sibling but her lifelong best friend. Mae’s life was rich with love, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family. In Oct 1955, Mae met the love of her life, Jack, while he was stationed at Barin Field. The two were married on June 8th of 1956, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span nearly seven decades. Together, they raised three children who were the joy of her life. Once the children began school, Mae began working for the Baldwin County Board of Education in August 1966, where her deep love and compassion for children blossomed into a fulfilling career. She retired in May 1997 after many years of dedicated service, having touched countless young lives with her kind spirit and steady grace. To those who knew and loved her, she was simply “Granny”—a name that came to represent comfort, unconditional love, and the heart of the family. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even children from the community found in her a gentle, nurturing presence that made everyone feel welcome and cherished. Lillie Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Alan and Lillie Inez Parker King, and her dear sister, Norma Dean King Moore. She is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, John Walter “Jack” Thorpe of Foley, AL; her children: John Alan (Sandra) Thorpe, Jeannie (Mark) Holderfield, and Tammy (Larry) Etheridge; her cherished grandchildren: Janay (Randall) Caldwell, Brian Alan Thorpe, Brad (Haley) Taylor, Rachel (Mark) Gilley, Melissa (Chason) Franks, Robby (Sarah) Ray, and Tasha Etheridge; great-grandchildren: Madison & Mary Messick, Ella & Maddox Caldwell, Grace, Anna & Benton Thorpe, Aiden & Brooks Taylor, Luke (Trinity) Gilley, Brody Gilley, Braelynn, Emma & Lily Franks, Eva, Bobby & Leonard Ray; great-great-granddaughter Isabella Gilley, niece Marilyn Moore Reed, nephew Mike Moore and brother-in-law Glen Moore along with numerous extended family members who will forever hold her memory close. A private funeral service will be held at a later date to celebrate the beautiful life Mae lived and the profound impact she had on all who knew her. Mrs. Lillie Mae King Thorpe will be remembered always for her gentle heart, her loving smile, and her unwavering devotion to family and community. Her legacy lives on in the generations she lovingly nurtured, and in the countless lives she quietly and profoundly touched.

Mrs. Lillie Mae King Thorpe

March 20, 1936 - April 30, 2025