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Flora Laney Thornton (November 1, 1913 – May 7, 2010)[1] is a longtime Los Angelas philanthropist with many contribution and recognitions. She was born in Independence, Montgomery county, Kansas, the daughter of Charles W. and Effie M. (Smith) Laney. Eventually after, she moved with her family to Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, where she attended Texas Tech University. She majored in nutrition and clothing design. She later moved to New York to study voice. Prior to marrying her Charles Tex Thornton in 1937, her first husband, she appeared in two Broadway musicals, “May Wine” and “White Horse Inn”. Despite their different interest, Flora’s love for jazz and opera record and her husband’s devotion to business, they were together for 44 years until Charles’ death in 1981. She remarried in 2005 to Eric Small. Thornton and Small were both supporters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society programs, which led to the establishment of the Eric Small Centers for Optimal Living (for people with Multiple Sclerosis and similar disease)

After her Charles’ death, she attempted to keep herself busy and do new things. Amongst the many new things, she became apart of the board of regents at Pepperdine University. She also served a 7 year term at the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board. Flora also found a deep appreciation for visual art and found herself, during her spare time, to be painting.

Flora was primarily recognized for her love and contribution to the musical culture of Los Angeles.

Contributions She was known for her philanthropic activity in numerous Southern California institutions, including her support at the University of Southern California School of Music, the USC/Norris comprehensive cancer center and the library foundation of Los Angelas Flora contribution of $25 million in 1999 was not left unnoticed. The USC Board of Trustee renamed USC School of Music to USC Thornton School of Music.

Flora has also made other contribution to the Keck School of Medicine of USC,[3] Pepperdine University,[4] the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Los Angeles Music Center, and the Los Angeles Opera.[5]. Her unstinting support to the Los Angeles Opera made her a life trustee and Founding Angel in 1989. With her support and assistance, she partnered up with Placido Domingo, the company’s general director, to establish the Domingo-Thornton Young Artist Program. Thornton main objective was to identify young talented artist and encourage them to maximize their potential. She stated, “They were the future of opera”. Thornton also served 9 years being apart of the board of Santa Fe Opera. Her contribution has help organized a scholarship fund to the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara.

The Flora L. Thornton Foundation is ongoing, with an official web presence.[6] This foundation serves to assist and support philanthropic programs which help to make local-world communities a better place to live.

Death Flora died inside her home in Holmby Hills on FrIday, May 7th 2010. She died of pulmonary disease. Her service was held at All Saints Church in Beverly Hill.