Annette Thornell

A funeral service for Annette Thornell, 73, will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier City, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Officiating the service will be Reverend Tommy Patton.

Annette was born on November 21, 1951, to Wilburn McVay and JoAnn Reeves in Delhi, Louisiana, and passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Annette Thornell was the heart and soul of those who knew her—someone who brought warmth, strength, and endless kindness into every life she touched. She never met a stranger, always ready with a smile and a conversation that made people feel seen.

The love of her life was James Thornell, who passed in October 2024. Their bond was deep, devoted, and filled with love that didn’t fade even after loss. Annette carried that love forward, always showing up, always holding things together, always making sure no one felt alone.

She loved fiercely—her family, her friends, and her beloved fur babies, Jade and Winston, who brought her immeasurable joy. She had a passion for the New Orleans Saints, cheering them on with the same loyalty and heart that she gave to everything in her life.

Her laughter, her wisdom, and her ability to turn ordinary moments into something special, these are the things that will be missed the most.

Annette was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Thornell; father, Wilburn McVay, and mother, JoAnn Reeves. She is survived by daughter, Ashley Evans; grandson, Ashton Collins (Maddi); granddaughter, Emerson Evans; great-grandson, Hunter Collins; sisters, Debbie Kirkland and husband, Mike, and Kathy Powell and husband, Mike; brother, Ronnie McVay, along with numerous family and friends.

Honoring Annette as pallbearers will be Colin Evans, Ricky Cordova, Wesley McVay, Shaun Nelson, John Sanders, and Jason Powell.