Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
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
Gelsley Atha says
I love you sweet Jill and will forever cherish our friendship! Fly high my friend praying for your family and grandchildren 🙏 ✝️
Debra Herrington says
My condolences to the family. You showed so much love towards Jill. I could see it and feel it when I came into the room. I know she heard and felt the love from all of you. May God give you peace, and comfort. I am so sorry for your loss.
Walt Williams says
I’m so saddened to hear of Jill’s passing. I first met Jill through my ex-wife, Stacey, and over the years she remained a dear friend. We used to visit all the time, and she always made me feel welcome. I have so many good memories of those days. One memory that really stays with me is Jill holding My daughter Savannah after she was born. Then, all these years later, when Savannah had a daughter of her own, Jill was still thinking of our family and buying things for her little girl. That says so much about the kind of person Jill was. It’s so hard to believe she is gone. I’ll always remember her kindness, her friendship, and all the years and memories our family shared early on. My heart goes out to everyone who loved her. Rest in peace, Jill. We love you and you will truly be missed.
ole wanda says
it is taking me a long time to go to this page, I believe in the Lord! and God give us Jill for a reason, her goodness has impacted so many people, I still look to my left at Church to see her there! She taught so many kids about God , she brought them home from Church, she taught most of them to swim, made them laugh, enjoy life! She helped me through a bad time in my life and she listened and Really cared! you don’t find many people like that anymore. She Loved her Family so much, and they were all good to her too! close Family! I Love Yall so much and I Pray for all of you!
Terri Rilling says
My sweet sister-in-love was the first to accept me into the family. We talked and laughed and cried so much together through all these years. I will truly miss her. But through our belief in Jesus Christ I will definitely see and hug her again one day!!!