Q ------------------------------------------------------------------------Homegoing Celebration 
for 
(Deacon 9deCvin C Thornton 
Wednesday, October 16, 2002 11:00 A.M. 
(Efim (Baptist Church 
2359 Mt. Auburn Avenue Reverend Charles Smith ~ Officiating 
 
 06ituary 
`Dea."Mefvin CCifjwcfTfurrntm,wasbom inLocust 
Grove, Georgia to the late Keith Thornton and Lucille Colvin Thornton. He was married to the former Doris Fitch in Jackson, Georgia. To this union three children were born, Pamela Denise Thornton, Bryant Derek Thornton and Belinda Regina Thornton. 
Dea. Melvin Thornton attended and graduated from the Henry County School System. He graduated from Hampton Uni versity in Hampton, Virginia, where he was involved in numerous academic and social organizations. He was commissioned in the United States Army upon graduation, where he served for sixteen (16) years. He also served in the Army Reserves where he at tained the rank of Colonel. 
Dea. Thornton accepted Christ at an early age and has been a faithful servant in the church. He was a member of Elim Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Missionary Society Member, Male Chorus and Young Men's Club. He served in various ministries to include but not limited to Adult Sunday School Teacher, Finance Committee Chairman, Missionary Society and S.W.A.T. Team (Neighborhood Evange lism) Organizer. Most importantly, Dea. Thronton loved the Lord. 
He is survived by: a loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Doris E. Thornton; daughters, Pamela B. Thornton and Belinda R. Thornton, both of Augusta, G A ; son, Bryant D. Thornton, Woodbridge, Virginia; brothers, Freddie James Thornton, Locust Grove, G A and Keith Thornton, Boston, MA; sisters, Betty Thornton, Boston, MA, Mildred (Robert) Byrd, Atlanta, GA and Gail (Billy) Johnson, Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 
s): 
T0 Myhusband 
Some of us are blessed to somehow meet, the love of our lives although we do not 
seek. G od intervenes and puts two people together, who travel the roads o f life 
through good and stormy weather. A G o d fearin g husband is a precious gift, be cause if G od is the center, there is no rift. I love you dear husband with all my heart, 
and while 1 know you had to part you will ever be with me in spirit and love. I can bear this burden because I know you are in H eaven above. 
I Love You Melvin Doris 
Written By: Pamela Thornton 
 
 Order o f Service 
Prelude P ro c essio n a l Scriptures ............................... .......................... D ea . Ellis Jo h n so n 
Old Testament ~ II Chronicles 7:12-14 New Testam ent ~ M atthew 2 8 :1 6 -2 0 P rayer ...................................... .......................D ea . L atim er Stokes R eflection s .............................. ................. D e a . C h arles Sanders 
D ea. W alter Bennett D erek Thornton 
A ck n o w le d g e m e n ts .............. ................................. M s. L ois H ayes Selection ................................. ............................ Elim M ass C h oir 
"Jo y " Eulogy ...................................... ...................... R ev. C h arles Sm ith R ecession al I n t e r m e n t ................................................ H illcrest M em orial P ark 
~ `R epast ~ B iim `Baptist Cfiurcfi 
Teffowsfiif BfafC 
 
 (pallbearers 
Deacons of E lim Baptist C hurch 
honorary `ppaff&earers 
Y oung M en's C lub of E lim Baptist C hurch 
c5To\ver fe a re rs 
U shers & M ission of E lim Baptist C hurch 
y\0ocff^ father 
What is a Godly father? A father who leads with the utmost care, A father who is always supportive and there. A father who loves his children enough, To guide them with firmness, And dares to be tough. A father who is proud that he loves the Lord, And dares to go bodly, Proclaiming His word. Our Dad was that father, And we loved him so. Dear Dad, we'll miss you, but we know you had to go. 
Written By: Pam ela Thornton In Memory of Melvin C. Thornton 
We Love You Dad 
Pam, Derek and Belinda 
~ W ords Of T hanks ~ 
We give honor to God for the expressions of love and kindness shown by so many relatives and friends during the passing of our loved one. Your visits, calls, flowers, cards, and other inspiring actions have given us the courage, strength, and wisdom to stand tall during this time of need. May God bless all of you, one by one and name by name. 
~ The Family 
Arrangement Entrusted To Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home