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Mildred D. Thornton


Sunrise: July 4, 1945

Sunset: November 9, 2021

Mildred Darena Thornton, the only daughter of Jessie R. McCray (Coston) and Jesse (Mutt) Bowe; was born July 4th, 1945 in Norfolk,Virginia. Mildred graduated from Cardozo High School in D.C. and later attended Bronx Community College In New York where she resided for 15 years.

Upon returning to Virginia Beach, Mildred lived a rewarding and fulfilling life as wife to Gene Elliott Thornton Sr., a mother of four, daughter Detra Littlejohn and three sons, Charles H. McLean Jr., Gene E, Thornton Jr.(wife Tonya Thornton) and Terrence L. Thornton (wife Virginia Thornton)all of Virginia Beach.

Mildred has a fruitful legacy of fourteen grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, one of which she had a special hearts desire, Leah Roberts. Mildred was a charismatic soul, adventurous, and a lover of all things upper class. Her pastimes were travel, and cruises with sister/cousins Brenda Jenkins and Ammie (Mi) Nurse as well as dearest friend Toni York. Most of all she loved having play dates with newest grandson Nigel Thornton.

Mildred regularly attended her daughter-in-law Tonya’s Bible Study and was a faithful member of Mt.Zion Christian Community Church later to be named Welcome Temple where she had a fervent zeal and belief in The gospel of Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her dearly loved mother Jesse Ruth, father Jesse Bowe, beloved grandmother Rosella Telfair Watson, and cherished aunt Willie Mae Jenkins.

Mildred spoke often of reuniting with family that has gone before while loving deeply those who were present. While our hearts do ache remember she lived a life most could only dream of.

Viewing Saturday, November 20, 2021 11:00am - 4:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Sunday, November 21, 2021 1:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Entombment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 *Masks Required*

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Condolences(7)

  1. reply
    Sherard Bethea says

    I’m so sorry for the Thornton’s loss of there Loved one, Praying for healing and peace for the entire family, she was a great woman.

  2. reply
    Triniese and Sheryl says

    My deepest condolences to Gene and Terrence and of course the rest of the family as well. Praying that God gives you the strength to get through this tough time. Miss Mildred you were an AMAZING woman and you were there for us when my mom passed and that i will always cherish. i love you Rest in Gods loving arms u will be missed.

  3. reply
    Saundra L Bethea-Pegues says

    My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family. Mildred has been a part of my family for almost as long as I can remember. Her mother Ms. Jessie and my mother Mrs. Dorothy Lee Salaam were good friends and my sister Tonie and Mildred were as well. Mildred was a fun person to be around and is truly missed. I Pray that God will comfort, strengthen and give peace to the family and friends. RIP Mildred

  4. reply
    Walter and Olive Lawson says

    The Lawson Family offers our sincere condolences following the passing of Mildred. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thornton Family.

  5. reply
    Sylvia Gregory says

    I will continue to Pray for the Family. Keep you head up. Your mothe was an AWESOME woman.
    I will visit with Ms. Littlejohn as much as I can. Stay strong.

  6. reply
    Brenda S Whitten says

    Mildred had a way of making you feel like everything is going to be alright. I loved her and her spirit and I am glad that she was in my life. Even though I had not seen her much in our latter years, I thought of her often and I will always remember the time we did have together. Rest in peace, my friend and to the family, you have my deepest sympathy.

  7. reply
    Dorothy Tyler says

    Praying for the family I had the opportunity to be a friend to an amazing woman. She always had that beautiful smile.May she Rest In Peace.

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