Michelle "Shelly" Thornton

Heaven got a little brighter, earth a little dimmer. Shelly Thornton, 8 years old, passed away on February 20, 2013 after a 5 year fight with cancer, Stage 4 of Neuroblastoma.

She will join Jesus in Heaven, and be with her Nana, Bonnie Thornton, and her great-grandparents, Alonza and Florence Woods.

She leaves behind her mother, Allison Thornton; grandfather, Jim (Papa) Thornton; uncle, Steve Thornton; aunt, Elaine (J. Michael) Monroe of Seattle; great-grandmother, Evelyn Thornton; great-aunts and uncles, Geri and Terry Thornton of Akron, Elaine and Bob Wallace of Athens, Georgia; cousins, Sarah Monroe of Middleton, Wisconsin, Megan Monroe of Seattle and special cousin, Richard Phillips of Akron; plus many other relatives and friends, all of whom loved her.

Shelly's love of life was exhibited in all that she did. Her quick wit and winning smile made people instantly fall for this precious child. Her ability to ignore her disease amazed everyone. She loved everyone, and freely gave hugs to new friends. She was the inspiration for the Cancer support organization "Hugs N Bugs", and became their poster child. She thoroughly enjoyed going to camp at Camp Quality Ohio, which she did for four summers. She loved all people, and could bring an instant smile with her outfits and her array of hats. She loved all animals, particularly her cats, Smokey, who would 'mother' her, and Whiskers, the kitten. She rode on elephants, camels, and horses; she wrestled an alligator; she flew in planes, traveled on Cruise ships, trains, and drove the blimp. She developed her love of shopping from her Nana, which would instantly cheer her up.

A thank you to the medical staffs of Akron Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and especially Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. To say that she will be missed by many is an understatement, and she will forever be in our hearts.

Service will be held 1 p.m. MONDAY at the Akron Baptist Temple, 2324 Manchester Rd., Akron 44314, with Chaplain Michael A. Garren and Rev. Carol Barrett officiating. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., on SUNDAY from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A stuffed animal, a donation to the family, to Campqualityohio.org or Hugsnbugs.org would be preferred.

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)