Anderson, IN - Joretha M. Thorns Cooley, age 83, passed away peacefully March 4, 2026, in Anderson, Indiana.

She was born Aug. 11, 1942, in Wilmar, Arkansas, to the late James and Maeola McCoy.

Joretha was educated in the Bradley County School District and graduated from Bradley County High School in Warren, Arkansas, in 1960. She continued her education at Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., then earned her degree in 1964.

Shortly after graduation, she moved to Anderson, Indiana and began a dedicated career with the Social Security Administration, where she served the community for over 30 years.

She was a member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. church.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters, Michelle A. Thorns, Camille M. Thorns and Dr. Octavia (Joel) Thorns Jackson; three sisters, Betty (LeRoy) J. Hudson, Ellistine (Sydney) Alfred, and Sonya (Levell) Foote; one brother, Samuel K. McCoy; three grandchildren, Ra Thorns, Samim Thorns and Amar Thorns Jackson; and two godchildren, Andrea Fay Barber Dansby and Thomas Barber.

Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1610 Sheridan St.