Dr. Darius F "Dino" Thurmon

Darius “Dino” Fitzgerald Thurmon, 53, of Ocean Springs, MS departed this life Monday, February 1, 2021. He was born in Houston, TX on February 13, 1967. Darius gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age under the leadership of the late Dr. Jesse L. Trotter, Sr. Darius lost his mother, Esther Lee ten days after he was born. His grandparents, Lucy and Herman Payton, Sr., reared him as their own son. Darius was a 1985 graduate of St. Martin High School. He furthered his education at Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS. At Alcorn, he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He didn’t stop there. He went on to receive his Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University in May 2018. Darius has had many jobs throughout the years of his life; however, his passion was education. He loved to be a mentor to young people. He shared his love of teaching and coaching in various school districts such as J.W. Stampley, 9th grade Academy, Biloxi School District, Birmingham School District, Brewton School District, and Mobile County School District. Darius was preceded in death by his mother, Esther Lee Thurmon; his grandparents, Lucy E. Payton, Herman E. Payton, Sr. and Sylvester “Precious” Williams; his brother, Sammie Lee Thurmon; and his niece, Latasha Payton. He leaves to cherish his memories, his precious daughter Alaysia J. Thurmon; his brothers, Richard (Karen) Thurmon, Herman (Dorothy) Payton, Jr., Michael Dean Payton, Zachary Payton, and Shawn (Valinda) Payton; his sisters, Patricia McCormick, Alderine Payton, Sharon Payton, Esther Faye Payton and Alicia (Bertram) Benson; his uncles, Samuel Thurmon, Leo Galloway, and Edward Williams; step-grandmother, Ernestine Williams; many cousins, friends, and loved ones. Darius will always be remembered for his kindness shown to the young as well as the old. He was a true friend who built lasting relationships with his fraternity brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. and many others along the way. He was a true Alcornite, the go-to DJ, Shepherd Boy, Boy Scout, Sunbeam/Jr. Choir member, sports fanatic, and a loving and selfless father. To give of oneself to benefit others is pleasing unto the Lord. Darius gave time, inspiration, and hope to many. May the works he’s done speak for him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the college fund established for Dr. Thurmon's daughter, Alaysia. Donations should be addressed to: Alyasia Thurmon Benefit Account Hancock Whitney Bank P.O. Box 4019 Gulfport, MS 39502 Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 12:00 pm at Infinity Chapel. Visitation will start at 11:00 am. Infinity Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dr. Darius F. Thurmon. Inquiries 228-436-6700