Lena Pearl Thornton, 92, went home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2026, at Schoellkopf Health Care Facility while under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born in Greenville, AL, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Mary (Williams) Fails.

Lena attended local schools in Alabama. She married Will Thornton in Alabama, and the couple moved to Niagara Falls in 1950 following their marriage. Mr. Thornton predeceased her in 1974.

A longtime and faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church in Niagara Falls, Lena was a devoted homemaker who cherished every moment spent with her family. She enjoyed playing Bingo, dancing, and being the life of the party. She will be fondly remembered for her humor, her warmth, and her famous saying, “I ain’t never had enough of nothing.”

Lena is survived by her children, Alvin (Elizabeth) Thornton, Marlon Thornton, and Lorraine (Bishop Kevin Betton) Thornton‑Betton; her grandchildren, Felicia Gulley, Angela (John) Maye, LaBetton Thornton, Kevin (Celeste) Betton, Jr., and Jermaine Betton; 15 great‑grandchildren; 10 great‑great‑grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great‑nieces, great‑nephews, great‑great‑nieces, great‑great‑nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her children, Doretta Scott, Curtis Thornton, Mitchell Thornton, and Willie Thornton; and by her siblings, Dennis “Buddy” Fails, Albert Lewis Fails, Willie Frank Fails, J.W. Fails, Robert Fails, Eddie Lee Fails, John Fails, Winfred Fails, Elisabeth “Belle” Smith, Zettie Bedgood, Janie Mae Shaw, and Alberta Johnson.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, from 5 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 25, from 11 AM – 12 Noon at New Jerusalem Revival Center, 2723 20th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, where homegoing services will begin at 12 Noon. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice at www.niagarahospice.org. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.