Rosemary "Rosie" Allen Thorne

Rosemary Allen Thorne (known by many as Rosie) lived 97 years of a remarkable life until she peacefully left to be with the Lord on April 23, 2025. At the time of her passing, she was lovingly cared for at McArthur Manor Assisted Living in Manchester, Tennessee.

Rosemary was the youngest of 4 children born to George and Annabette Allen in Eupora, Mississippi. She attended business school in Memphis, Tennessee before marrying her husband, Ike, a WWII veteran in 1948. They had two children together, Wayne and Joyce.

In 1968, the family moved to Auburn, Alabama, which was the beginning of a lifetime of wonderful friendships and memories. She resided there for 52 years. She held many administrative assistant positions throughout different departments at Auburn University, retiring at AU Alabama Cooperative Extension System. She loved every minute of getting to work all over campus.

Rosemary was always an avid Auburn sports fan and loved going to football and basketball games. She and the family would tailgate on Saturdays and she always shared a smile and big “War Eagle” greeting everywhere she went. She also loved golf and playing bridge with good friends.

Rosemary had a very giving and gentle spirit, helping others often and without hesitation. She dedicated a lifetime to volunteer work, primarily at various locations within her beloved Auburn United Methodist Church. She developed deep friendships within her Sunday School classes. Although she experienced painful losses in her life, she always maintained that beautiful smile and cheerful laughter. Rosemary moved to Tennessee in 2020 to be close to her daughter and son-in-law.

Rosemary is preceded in death by her husband, Ike Thorne, (of 35 years), her son, Wayne Thorne and daughter-in-law, Bebe (Cather Thorne) MacDougall, her parents, 2 brothers and 1 sister. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Joyce & Jim Lang, grandson, Gary Thorne, granddaughters, Britney Vogel, Katie & Jaime Lang, great granddaughter, Abby Vogel, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 4, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at the Founders Chapel, 220 East Magnolia Ave., Auburn, Alabama 36830.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CARE Humane Society (carehumane.org) or AUMC Food Pantry (online or PO Box 3135, Auburn, AL 36831.)