Helen Ruth Yuille Thornton, or “Baby Ruth” as she was affectionately called, was born on December 23, 1940, in Altavista, Virginia, and passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2026. Helen’s life was a tapestry woven with love, resilience, and a profound dedication to her family. The daughter of the late William E. and Helen Dabney Yuille, Helen was the 5th child and was blessed with a nurturing family environment that laid the foundation for her lifelong devotion to those she held dear.

Helen graduated from Campbell County Public Schools and went on to further her education at Virginia State University. She married young and had 4 children from that union. She remained in Atlantic City, NJ, raising all 4 of her children there until they were old enough to strike out on their own. She embarked on a longstanding career with the Social Security Administration, where she served with distinction before retiring.

Family was the cornerstone of Helen’s existence. She held many titles, but her most important roles were, “Mom, grandmom, and great-grandmom. Her grandchildren shared many memories of the “Mini Michael Jackson concerts that she used to have in her living room and the way she always had them eating fruit and listened to all their crazy stories. Johnny Mathis was her all-time favorite singer, and she was able to attend several of his concerts, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She is survived by her devoted children: Vincent Bryant Thornton, Vicki Monique Thornton, Vinessa Ruthe Thornton Gandy (Kevin), and Valerie Lynne Thornton Smith (Rodney, Sr.), 12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her beloved parents, William E. and Helen Dabney Yuille; her infant sister, Desiree Yuille; her cherished sister, Shirley Temple Bernice Yuille James; and Lifelong companion, Carleton Alexander Jackson, Jr. Helen’s surviving family, includes her siblings, Dr. Dolores Johns of Roanoke, VA; Janice Scott of Bouie, MD; Vera Lavern (Lenny) Bailey of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; Vivian David of Hampton, VA; Zenith (Eleanor) Yuille of Altavista, VA; Leon (Margaret) Yuille of Hampton, VA; Steven Yuille of Roanoke, VA; and uncles, aunts, and cousins as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Helen Ruth Yuille Thornton will be remembered for her grace, her unwavering love of family, and the indelible mark she left in the hearts of all who knew her. Her journey here may have come to a close, but the love and lessons she shared will live on, echoing through the lives of her family and friends.

Love you forever and a day!!

A homegoing celebration will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Service of comfort entrusted to Davis-Turner Funeral Service.