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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bonnie Jill Horton, AKA Nana, on September 1st, 2026. Born on August 27th, 1956 to her late parents Harold and Bonnie Rilling, Miss Horton was originally from Fort Knox, Kentucky, but settled in Senoia, GA.
Nana’s greatest love was her family, she loved her daughter, grandchildren and especially her great grandchildren with every piece of her heart. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her babies, and being a nana was one of the greatest joys of her life. She loved her flowers, her animals, her church family where she was a member for over 35 years, her monthly luncheons with her neighbors/who became family to her also, photography, and the little things that made life beautiful. She had a heart that was gentle, giving, and full of love, and she had a way of making the people she loved feel safe, cared for, and truly cherished. To know Nana was to know what unconditional love felt like. Her hugs, her voice, and the love she gave so freely will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Although saying goodbye to her is something none of us were ready for, we are so thankful for every memory, every laugh, every hug, and every moment we were blessed to have with her. Her love did not end when her life did- it will live on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and every person fortunate enough to have called her NANA. We will carry her with us for the rest of our lives, until the day we get to see her again.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Bonnie Rilling of Fayetteville, GA; and her sister, Donna Nelms, also of Fayetteville, GA.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Eddy) Thoman of Sharpsburg, GA; her grandchildren, Chandler (Carley) Horton of Senoia, GA, Taylor (Jason) Laird of Williamson, GA, Kylie (Dallas) Sullivan of Barnesville, GA, Savannah (Abby) Lail-Frantz of Sandy Springs, GA, Jacob (Alice) Thoman of Atlanta, GA, and Chelsea Thoman of Fayetteville, GA; her great grandchildren, Parker and Cohen Horton of Senoia, GA, Bradley Laird of Williamson, GA, and Stetson and Brooks Sullivan of Barnesville, GA; Dennis Horton, of Newnan, GA; her brothers, Tug (Cyndi) Rilling of Seville, FL, Phillip Nelms of Fayetteville, GA, Greg Rilling of Griffin, GA, Randy (Terri) Rilling of Calhoun, GA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
A memorial service will be held in Miss Horton’s honor at 11 a.m. on October 24th, 2026, at Mount Zion Baptist Church at 5971 Mt. Carmel Rd. Gay, GA 30218.
Michelle Foster says
I knew Jill from when my family and I were members of Mt. Zion many years ago.
We had become really good friends and I loved her dearly.
She was a sweet caring person she loved animals as well as her family and had many over the years.
I pray that her family can find comfort from God in knowing she is in paradise with him.
Debra Herrington says
I can’t stop thinking about her. She was a shining light, always smiling, always had a kind word to say, and was full of love. She was beautiful inside and out. I’m so glad to have seen her one last time before her passing. We embraced and hugged. I got to tell her I loved her. Even in her pain, her light shined through, and that gentle smile. I think she heard everything I had to say to her. In her weakness, she opened her eyes a few times and whispered in my ear. I couldn’t tell what she was saying, but I know it was with love. Jesus was getting ready to take her home. She had a testimony all the way until the end. “Shine on shine on sweet Jill.” I love you!
wanda says
I still can’t believe it’s real, I have to tell myself just know she is in heaven with the Lord in no more pain. I miss her so! I am Praying fpr y’all