Lori Ann Thornhill

Lori Ann Thornhill, born on December 14, 1970, in Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025. In her extraordinary life, Lori cherished her roles as a devoted wife and an attentive mother. She was also a beloved aunt, known for her warmth and affection towards her nieces and nephews.

A lifelong member of Bryant Church of Christ, Lori's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She dedicated part of her earlier years to teaching Sunday School, a testament to her commitment to nurturing and guiding the younger generation in her community.

Lori's colorful personality was reflected in her many hobbies. She had a passion for scrapbooking, often bringing out her supplies during holidays, where she delighted in preserving cherished memories. Additionally, Lori found joy in adult coloring books, seeing these creative outlets as opportunities to relax and express herself. Traveling brought her immense happiness, with trips to the beach and amusement parks standing out as some of her favorite adventures.

Lori's journey was marked by resilience, having undergone a heart transplant in 1993. This gift allowed her 32 years of cherished life and time with her family. Lori was a pioneer in transplant history as the first woman in Arkansas to give birth following a heart transplant. Her daughter, Kelly, was named in honor of her heart donor. Lori’s experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for life and the importance of organ donation, as reflected in her wish for continued support for ARORA and Donate Life. Her family requests memorials be made to ARORA in order to provide the gift of life to many more patients.

Lori is survived by her loving husband, Harold Thornhill; her cherished daughter, Kelly Thornhill; her father, Bill Barger, and his wife, Trina; her siblings, Traci Ruffner, Kelli Tye and her husband, Patrick, Renee Hollowel and her husband, Hugh, and Lance Barger and his wife, Kelcy. She is also mourned by her sister-in-law, Ellen Hamilton and her husband, James; her brother-in-law, Thomas Thornhill and his wife, Terri; grand-niece, Charley; grand-nephew Otto. as well as nine nieces and nephews who will carry forward her legacy of love and kindness. Many family members and friends will always hold her dear in their hearts.

Lori was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Elrod Barger, whose memory will be honored through the lives Lori touched.

A visitation for Lori will be held Friday, December 12, from 4:00-6:00 PM and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 1:00 PM. Both services will be held at Alexander Church of Christ, meeting at 100 Cornerstone, Alexander AR, 72002. 

As we remember Lori, we celebrate her spirit, her love, and the lasting impact she had on those around her. She will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.