Kaye Dysart Thornton

Kaye Dysart Thornton passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at Harris Hospital Southwest. A fourth-generation Texan, she was born on July 2, 1941, to J. M. and Martha Anna Dysart. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands, Zwingli Joe Thornton and Robert Janzen.

Mrs. Thornton graduated from North Texas State University with a degree in Journalism and later earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Texas Christian University. She built a meaningful career at TCU, first serving as director of Nursing Recruitment and as an Admissions Officer. She later played a key role in establishing the Tandy Technology Scholars program, a nationwide partnership between Tandy/Radio Shack and TCU that recognized excellence in math, science, and computer science. She traveled extensively to promote the program and the university.

Deeply committed to her community, Kaye volunteered with CASA and The Infant Formula Program. She served as a Congregational Care Minister at First United Methodist Church, where she had been a lifelong member. She was the author of a memoir titled “The Borrowers Cookbook,” written especially for her grandchildren. In retirement, she became affectionately known as “the cake lady,” baking and sharing more than 100 cakes each year with family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Z. Bart Thornton, and his wife, Kristina Thornton, of Richmond, Virginia, and her beloved grandchildren, Copeland Agape Thornton and Tristan Townes Thornton. She also leaves behind many cherished friends from her years at Arlington Heights High School, North Texas State University, and Texas Christian University.