Mary Bell “Sis” Thornburgh was born in Washington in 1917 to the late Caleb and Claudia Bell. She was educated in Washington city schools and Meredith College, and received graduate degrees from Columbia University and ECU.

Mary taught school in North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. She was married to the late Rev. Conway Thornburgh. Mary was also a social worker with the Beaufort County DSS. She was a lifelong Christian and had belonged to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Harvest Church. Mary is survived by her daughter, Claudia, of Washington; son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Margie, of Arlington, Virginia; four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Caleb Bell, Jr., and her husband.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Samaritan’s Purse, and Prison Fellowship. A memorial service will be held at a later date.