- Date Of Birth: May 5, 1923
- Date Of Death: June 25, 2021
- State: Michigan
Maynell B. Thurston, age 98 of Midland, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021 peacefully at her home. Maynell was the daughter of the late William and Ida (Herren) Hancock. She was born May 25, 1923 in Silver Pointe, TN. Her family relocated to the Mapleton area when she was a young girl. Maynell met and fell in love with her high school sweetheart Gordon Thurston. The two were married on November 12, 1941. They shared 68 years loving, wonderful years together until Gordon’s passing on December 16, 2009. Maynell was a lifelong member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, serving as president of the Midland Post, as well as holding many other offices in her active years. She was well known for her volunteering and hosting events such as bingo parties at local nursing homes, as well as distributing stuffed animals to the pediatric unit at MidMichigan Medical Center.
Maynell loved flowers, especially her beautiful roses of all colors, her passion was gardening and that was evident from her beautiful landscaped yard. She and Gordon received a beautification award from the City of Midland in the past.
Surviving are her children, Gordon (Donna) Thurston of Midland, Beverly (Peter) Welsh of Birch Bay, WA., Tammy (Mark) Kilbreath of Midland; daughter in law, Kathy Thurston of Midland; grandchildren, Michael, Sheri, Tesa, Dan, Kris, Kevin, Kristen, Brent, and Michelle; many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; sister, Janet Smith; and sister in-law, Clara Hancock. In addition to her parents and husband, Maynell was preceded in death by her son, Robert Thurston; grandson, Matthew Thurston; brothers, Cleo Hancock, Leo Hancock, William Hancock, C.O. Hancock, J.C. Hancock; and sisters, Vernell Gutchak, Nelda Miller, and Dorothy Hancock.
The family is thankful for her granddaughter, Kristen and her great grandson, Brunden for the loving care and compassion they provided to Maynell enabling her to continue to reside in her home for the last few years of her life, as was her wish.
To Maynell her family was her life. Family meant everything to her. Her family will always cherish the plethora of wonderful memories of this extraordinary woman. She will be dearly missed by each and every one she held dear.
