Orlena Mae "Klickie" Thornton

Orlena Mae "Klickie" (Klickman) Thornton, age 100, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in Augusta, Georgia, on March 16th, 2021. She was born on May 31, 1920, on a farm outside Port Clinton, Ohio, to the late William Albert and Ruth Elizabeth (Gyde) Klickman. She graduated high school at the age of 16 and put herself through college at the University of Toledo, where she was a member of the Tau Delta Sigma sorority. With her education degree she taught school in Oak Harbor before becoming one of the first United Airlines stewardesses during WWII. In 1946 she met Lt. Col. Clark O. Thornton in New York City. After a whirlwind romance they were married for 58 years. Together they lived the military life, raised four children, and moved frequently. They enjoyed traveling the world together and made many friends along the way. She was predeceased by her husband and grandson Colin and leaves behind her children: Bill (Jacky Becker); Mary (Ed Boothe); Tom (Patti Richards); and Ann (David Byrd); eight grandchildren; and fifteen great grand-children; niece Christine Klickman and nephew Cal (Vic Sawyer) Klickman. Klickie was always on the go. She stayed busy hosting many military, diplomatic, and Officers' Wives Club functions, playing bridge, and volunteering into her 90's. Some of her many activities included coordinating Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops when her children were young. In Washington, D.C. she organized the chapter of retired United Airlines stewardesses, Clipped Wings. She helped form the Special Olympics and took pride in serving as an "Arlington Lady" assisting grieving military families at Arlington National Cemetery. In the 60's Klickie got her Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling and enjoyed teaching gifted children. She then became the first counselor at Brookwood High School in Brookwood, Alabama. After retiring, in addition to keeping up with her many friends, she stayed active in her church, St. Mark UMC, Northport, Alabama. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Hospice of West Alabama, University Women's Club, the Southern Culture Club, and as a poll worker. Klickie lived a long life serving others and set a fine example for academic excellence, community leadership, and philanthropy. The family is very thankful for the love and care given her these past few years at Brookdale Assisted Living of North Augusta. Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Members of the McCollum Sunday school class of St Mark; Kay Culton; Lib Powell; Madeleine Passerini; Francis Eatmon; and Dot Powell. The legacy she leaves will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be planned for St. Mark UMC. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Hospice, Meals on Wheels, University of Toledo, or the University of Alabama.