Charlie W Thornton

The life of Sister Charlie Will  Ellis Thornton began February 19, 1921. A charming baby girl born to the late Redell Ellis.  She was the 4th child of seven siblings.                 The true love of her life was entwined with the three strand cord  in Holy Matrimony to the Late Walter Thornton Sr.  This unification was blessed with two sons, Walter Jr. and Don. (Nothing came before her family and God)                 Early in life she started a relationship with God by joining the Virgil Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where her work was constant and never remiss.  She was a true servant of God and it showed in her work as a helper to all, she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School (every child in the community can reflect on the trips to Panama City that she spearheaded), Church Secretary, Choir director, Youth director, The President of the Women Missionary Union, Christian Education, and many other Church Ministries. She believed in what she did and that her way was right because she would never do it was wrong way.                 Her educational journey began in the Randolph County School System obtaining her high school diploma and from Albany State College, she received her Bachelor’s of Science and Leadership Degrees. Sis Charlie W. Thornton believed in education and “being certified so you won’t be denied”.  Because of her love for teaching others, she honed her natural talent and was employed as an educator for over 30 years.  From the little old schools in the churches of Randolph and Terrell Counties, to being a teacher and then principal in the Meriwether County School System. She retired in the Randolph County School System, where for many years she was unable to teach. But she didn’t stop there, she taught Adult education, and anyone she felt needed to learn. She was a member of the Randolph County Retired Educators.                 Because she had a way of influencing others, her sorority sisters of the Theta Sigma Zeta of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority gave her the name of “Charming Charlie”. She held the Presidency for more than 25 years, organized Zeta Amicae and Zeta Youth groups.  She believed in being a Finer Women not only in the organization but at all times.                 The Life of Sister Thornton touched so many other lives, spiritually, she lead many to Christ, Educationally, she taught the unlearned and encouraged everyone to get an education, in health she cared for the sick, and in the community she worked for the rights of others and helped in every way possible.                  Her work was never undone and when she couldn’t do it, she knew how to orchestrate the task for you to do. Prov. 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be   established.  Sister Charlie Will Ellis Thornton was preceded in death by her mother, Redell Ellis, her husband, Walter Thornton Sr., her Son Don Thornton, her adopted son Wallace Mitchell (The Late Annie F ) and her six    siblings, in-laws, other family members, and friends. The life Journey of Sister Charlie Will Thornton ended Thursday     December 03, 2015 at the Jo Ann Burgin Nursing Home.  Family Inheriting The Legacy              She leaves to inherit her legacy, a son Walter Thornton Jr., (Fiancée' Valerie King) of Atlanta GA; A grandson she raised as her own Brian Thornton, Sr. (Kathy) of Cuthbert, GA; A grandson, Bruce Thornton of Atlanta, a granddaughter Lauren Thornton of Atlanta GA; 2 adopted granddaughters Sandra Taylor, and Phyllis Slaughter (Don) of Cuthbert, GA; 6 great-grandchildren Shakeria, Brian II, Bruce Jr., Bryce, Byron, Brianna, Jayla, Brad, and Gadis.  4 adopted great grandchildren,     Vermekia, Javon, Shauntee, and Eddie Jr.; 2 sister-in-laws; Mrs. Annie Ree Starling of Cuthbet, GA, Mrs. Thelma Robinson of Cocoa FL, A very special niece, Sandra J. Willis, A special friend and caregiver, Harry Mitchner, a part time caregiver, Annie Starling, Cuthbert, GA; A formal daughter-in-law Marion Thornton; Many other nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, Sorority Sisters, Mission Sisters, Educators, and friends will keep her legacy afloat.