She has been an art educator for 43 years. She received a bachelor’s degree in art and social studies and master’s degree in secondary leadership. She has organized the annual Conway Middle School/Carl Stuart Middle School art show for the past 42 years. Thornton has worked with students on various art projects outside of school, including art shows at the Faulkner County Library, the Faulkner County Fair Parade, Conway ArtsFest and Conway EcoFest. She was named Art Educator of the Year in 2013 and Middle Level Art Educator of the Year in 2004 by the Arkansas Art Education Association.