Marvin Thornton, Jr.

Marvin L. Thornton, Jr. was the oldest of eight children. He was born December 1, 1949 to Marvin Sr. and Katie Thornton. Marvin departed this life September 13, 2012 surrounded by family and friends at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, MS. Marvin confessed his faith in Jesus Christ and became a member of Mount Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend W.T Guice. Marvin graduated from Thirty-Third Avenue High School, the class of 1967. He was very studious in school and he loved to dance. We were told he and Edith Robinson was considered one of the best dancers and best dressed in their class. After graduating from high school he attended Jefferson Davis Junior College and majored in Business Administration. He later enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War Era and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and other awards and ribbons. Marvin was a licensed roofer; he was briefly employed with Gulfport Glass Company and he often worked offshore. He was a very outgoing and energetic person. He never met a stranger and he always gave you his undivided attention which made you feel special. Marvin was preceded in death by his father Marvin L. Thornton, Sr., a sister Clara Mae Thornton; grandparents Merritt and Emma Thornton and Robert and Odie Walton. Marvin leaves to cherish his memory, a son, Xavier (LaWanda) Thornton, Pass Christian, MS; two daughters Rasha Thornton, Gonzales, LA and Natrita Maston, Montgomery, AL. His mother Katie Mae Thornton, two brothers Willie Lee Thornton, and Melvin Lewis Thornton; four sisters, Victoria (Jimmy) Sharpe, Ola Mae Wilson, Linda Ann Thornton all of Gulfport, MS.; and Janice Marie Thornton, Biloxi, MS; three aunts, Rosie Walton, and Iola Thornton, Gulfport, MS, and Esther Conkerite, Capitol Heights, MD; three, grandchildren, Joy, Xavier, and Joshua; a special friend Ulma Carlisle; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. The family of Mr. Marvin Thornton, Jr. has entrusted his care to RICHMOND-AUGUST FUNERAL HOME.