Walter James Thornton began his life’s journey on November 14,1958. Born to the late Willie Thornton and Birdie Thornton in Amory, Mississippi, Walter had three brothers – Willie Thornton, the late Edward Thornton, and Robert Thornton. Also, Walter had two sisters – Della Austin and Helen Johnson.
Walter was educated in the Amory Public School system. Upon graduating from Armory High School, Walter attended Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi.
Walter was joined in holy matrimony to Alice Faye Freeman before God, family, and friends in a beautiful ceremony in Palmetto, Mississippi. Walter was married to his best friend Alice for 40 years, until his passing.
After relocating to Dallas, Texas, in 1985, Walter gained employment with United Parcel Service (UPS). Although he started as a driver, through hard work and determination, Walter was promoted to manager. He was a loyal and devoted manager at UPS for many years before he retired. For several years following his retirement, he returned to UPS to train newly hired employees.
In 1995, Walter and Alice first attended a church service at Concord Baptist Church, when it was located at 3410 South Polk. Concord became their family’s home church, and Walter became an active member of the congregation. His journey in ministry began under the late Rev. E. K. Bailey, where he served in the hospitality ministry and as a member of Concord’s Men’s Choir. In June 2012, Walter became a deacon and served in that capacity until his passing.
Those left to cherish his love and legacy include his devoted wife, Alice Thornton (Arlington, TX); his children, Karsten (Makeba) Ross (Columbus, OH), Kenosha Thornton (Grand Prairie, TX), James (Fran) Thornton (Grand Prairie, Texas), Andria (Jeremy) Hicks (Euless, TX), and his god-son Corey (Vanessa) Lewis (Arlington, TX); his siblings, Della Austin (Mansfield, TX), Willie (Kay) Thornton (Rowlett, TX), Helen Johnson (Nettleton, MS), Robert (Dianne) Thornton (Kennesaw, GA); his grandchildren, Brittney Ross (Temple, TX), Kendrick Hicks (Euless, TX), Jada Hicks (Euless, TX), Naiah Thornton (Grand Prairie, TX); god-children, Corwin Lewis, Jacques Lewis, Amayah Payton (Waxahachie, TX), Amahni Payton (Waxahachie, TX), and a host of special cousins, nieces, nephews, and loving friends.
Walter James Thornton departed this earthly life on January 11, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Those who knew him will remember his dedication to his wife and family, his fun-loving nature, his charismatic smile, his love for traveling and experiencing a variety of cultures, and his love and devotion to God.
