Sandra Lynn Thornton

Sandra Garretti Lawler Thornton “78” has gone to be with her Lord, 8-10-25. A beloved mother, grandmother & great-grandmother and cherished friend.

Sandra was born July 2, 1947, to Leonard & Christine Garretti in New Orleans, LA. , and immediately brought joy & laughter into this world. Sandra went to Behrman High School. After school, she pursued a career of cosmetology with studies from John Jay Beauty College & Salon. She later became a Supervisor of Slots for Casino Magic / Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis, MS. Sandra's pastime was listening to her oldies, dancing, watching all the Home Improvement channels, SHOPPING, Walt Disney World & Mardi Gras.

Sandra was a woman of strong faith & she instilled in us the importance of family, hard work, and doing what is right. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will ripple through the lives of her family, friends, and all who knew her. Although her chair may be empty, her presence will always be felt – in the stories we tell, in the lessons she taught, and in the love she freely gave.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard & Christine Garretti, two brothers, William Zelinsky, Buddy Garretti, and a Sister, Shirley Mullins.

Sandra is survived by a brother, Tony Garretti, and her companion, Gary Hargis, her children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

Maureen (Peter) Vitello, Timothy (Emily) Carter Jr., Gabriel Vitello, Araceli, Karlee Carter Jr.

Melissa (Jimmy) Necaise, Sarah (Marcus) Ladner, Justin (Jessica) Ladner, Hartleigh, Halle, Hattie, Jackson

Thomas (Erin) Lawler Jr., Whitley (Isaac) Lawler, Tyce (Pablo) Lawler, Abigail, Spencer, Eion, Braze, Swae

John (Donna) Thornton Jr., Bayleigh (Drew) Lafontaine

Timothy (Lori) Thornton, Sean (Jennie) Thornton, William, Josh, Lainey

Terri (Darren) Lee, Jarrett (Olivia) Lee, Christopher (Amanda) Lee, Mauri, Mavis, Macklin

Gary (Dana) Hargis Jr.

Susan (Chip) Skinner, Kyle (Deborah) Skinner, Corey, Mikylie, Kayleigh

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the Nurses / Aides and staff of St. Joseph’s Hospice of Gulfport, MS, for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sandra’s Name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org / 800-805-5856

A celebration of her life will be on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Most Holy Trinity Church, 9062 Kiln Delisle, MS, 39571. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM with a Mass 11–12 PM. A luncheon will follow immediately afterwards at the Parish Hall.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, is honored to serve the Thornton family.