Thomas Joe and Berdie Mae Thornton of Athens celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 27 at East Highland Baptist Church in Athens. The celebration was hosted by their children. Servers were Jana Pitts and Angie Underwood. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton were married Aug. 28, 1961 in Athens. They have three children, Anthony “Tony” Thornton of Muscle Shoals and Tracy Fanning and Tonya Brooks, both of Athens; and seven grandchildren, Christa Lyle of Birmingham, Heather Goodin of Huntsville, Andrea Fanning of Toney, Julie Barnett of Athens, Brandon Thornton of Texas, and Bradley Brooks and Breeana Brooks, both of Athens.