Michael A. Thornhill Sr.

Michael A. Thornhill Sr.

Michael Thornhill Obituary

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Dec. 9 to Dec. 10, 2008.
THORNHILL, Michael A. Sr., 42, of Lawrenceville, formerly of 1600 Greenville Ave., entered eternal life December 5, 2008. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maggie L. Thornhill. He is survived by his wife, Shonda Thornhill; six children, Michael Jr., Shana and Moriah Rawlings, Leondias and Nehemiah Thornhill and Wayne Williams III; one granddaughter, Londyn Feagen; father, Robert L. Thornhill Sr.; three brothers, Robert Jr., Pastor Ronald (Patrice) and Dr. Wayne (Michelle) Thornhill; three sisters, Robinette Martin, Valarie Mack (Eric) and Rosalind Jones; grandmother, Pastor Margaret Cooper; four aunts, one uncle, father and mother-in-law, Jimmy and Paulette Elder; two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, other relatives and many friends. The viewing will be held Wednesday, 12 to 8 p.m., at the Glorious Church of God in Christ, 1525 Jacquelin St., where a homegoing celebration will be conducted Thursday, 1 p.m. Dr. Wayne Thornhill officiating. Pastor Ronald Thornhill, eulogist. Interment Riverview Cemetery. Robert M. Brunson Sr. and Jr., directors. Professional services of comfort entrusted to the:


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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December 14, 2008

Patrice Williamson-Miles posted to the memorial.

December 12, 2008

Tangela Lewis-Easter posted to the memorial.

December 12, 2008

Donna Bower posted to the memorial.

Patrice Williamson-Miles

December 14, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Tangela Lewis-Easter

December 12, 2008

To The Thornhill Family,
May God comfort you during your time of bereavement. Michael was a special person who touched many lives with his humor. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tommorow.

Donna Bower

December 12, 2008

To the Thornhill Family:
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I met Michael in middle school. He was so crazy! Then that moved to high school. He would always pick with me about the guy I was dating. My GOD keep all of you and remember with him ALL things are possible.

Cenvonal Fells

December 11, 2008

To the Thornhill Family:
My heart and prayers go out to you. I knew Michael most of my life. We first met back at Maymont School. It was only a couple of weeks ago that him and I talked, as we usually do whenever I'd see him at MCV. We'd always talk about our childhood and what could have been back in 83. He's in better place now. We're gonna miss him!!!!

Bernice Florine Ricks

December 11, 2008

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. We the Ricks Family extend heartfelt condolences to Ronald and Patrice Thornhill and Family during this difficult time.

Dawn Calhoun - Harris

December 11, 2008

A childhood friend shared the sad news of Michael's home going and I was sad but then remembered the wonderful laughs we had in middle and high school. Michael had a wonderful personality. May GOD comfort you during this time and my prayers and thoughts are with you.

Kevin Burke

December 11, 2008

I'm extremely saddened to hear of Michael's passing. He was truly a joy to be around growing up. His jokes and hanging out with him in High School are memories I will cherish the most. Heaven will truly enjoy its new angel.

Debra Brockwell

December 11, 2008

My sympathy to the family. I came to know Michael through my son, Paul. My son was a student at Brunswick Academy and frequented the Pino's in Lawrenceville, where Michael was an employee. Michael and Paul quized each other on Bible verses and trivia. They became good friends and Michael told me that his youngest son's middle name was "Paul" after my son. The last time I saw Michael, we exchanged a hug and briefly caught up on how my son was doing and his health issues. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Michael always seemed to be so upbeat and cheerful no matter what the circumstances. God was ready to take him home but he will be missed.

Paula Crump

December 11, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of sorrow.
God Bless

dwayne whitehead

December 11, 2008

To the Thornhill family:
Initially hearing about Michael's passing saddness surrounded my heart as tears gripped my eyes. Then I realized that Michael belong to the Lord. I recall being in the six grade and Michael telling me about God's delivering power. Michael has been my friend for 30 years. We did not see each other much but there was a special brotherhood. I will miss him greatly and my prayers are being made for the family.

Alphonso Vaughan

December 11, 2008

To the Thornhill Family
Just wanted to offer my deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
My prayers are with you and your family. Mike was a great friend and he will truly be missed.

Alphonso Vaughan (AL) JHW Class of "84"

Sharon Johnson-Morris

December 11, 2008

To the Thornhill Family,

Ronald(Bae), Valerie and Wayne, we are sorry to hear about the lost of your brother Michael. Our prayers go out to you all and your families at this time of sorrow. Hold on, and be strong, as I know you all will be and Thank God for the time he has allowed Michaels presence in you alls life. May God Bless. The Johnson Sisters.
Cynthia, Robinette and Sharon.

dwayne whitehead

December 11, 2008

To the Thornhill family:
Initially hearing about Michael's passing saddness surrounded my heart as tears gripped my eyes. Then I realized that Michael belong to the Lord. I recall being in the six grade and Michael telling me about God's delivering power. Michael has been my friend for 30 years. We did not see each other much but there was a special brotherhood. I will miss him greatly and my prayers are being made for the family.

William & Sheila Green (Maymont)

December 11, 2008

To the Thornhill family. Let the peace of God, through the Holy Spirit comfort you in this difficult time. Micheal and I shared some words on last Thursday, and I'm assured that all his well with is soul. God bless.

Annette Hill Harris

December 10, 2008

"May the Peace Of God Past All Understanding" Is My Prayer For Your Family! I am grateful for the opportunity to have met such a great Man!! I will always love and cherish the Thornhill Family

December 10, 2008

Our hearts were sadden to hear about the loss of our brother/friend. Michael was such a stich. Mad, glad, or sad, he always made you laugh. Heaven is never going to be the same because I know he is up there cracking jokes, and making GOD laugh so hard he raining tears. May GOD bless this family at this difficult time. Michael will truly be missed.

R.I.P THORNHILL we LUV YOU and will truly miss you my brother/friend.

KEVIN -DONITA BAILEY & FAMILY

Mark Taylor

December 10, 2008

To the Thornhill Family,
My deepest sympathy to the family. Although I haven't seen Mike in a while, I often asked about him. We met at JHW and became friends through football and his cousin Hank. Mike was always a fun, kind, and humorous person whenever we seen each other. RIP Mike. Mark Taylor '83

Roger Munford

December 10, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the late Michael A. Thornhill, Sr. May your memories of Michael bring you comfort during these hours of bereavement.

Ms. Sherry Brown( Harris)

December 10, 2008

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

LaDoris Wiggs

December 10, 2008

The Thornhill Family: You are in our thoughts and prayers... (Your Delaware Family).

Sitrena Woodson

December 10, 2008

"God's love and kindness will shine upon us like the sun that rises in the sky. On us who live in the dark shadow of death this light will shine to guide us into a life of peace." Michael is at peace his body is at rest. I met Michael and he always made me feel welcome and impressed me with his optimism. Quickly you could see how much he devoted himself to his family and always tried to make the best of each day. His smile and good natured personality will surely be missed by many. Peace and Comfort to the Thornhill family and many friends sometimes it is quite hard to understand the why to make sense of who goes and when but God directs us to stay faithful and trust him for it will all work out to his perfect will. Always Sitrena, Jordan and family

THOMAS BAGLEY

December 10, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Thornhill family.When I think of Michael better known as Thornhill in the neiborhood ,I think of a friend with strong influence,he new how to make me laugh.Back then I knew he like me, one way I gaged that was because he would not hesitate to fight for me.Im 43 years old now,born in 1965 an still alive.My question I ask myself,what would Thornhill want me to live for,fight for,laugh for.
I know he would want me to focus on God.My biggest regret is he never saw my sons,and also to tell him I loved him as friend.No friendship can compares to childhood friendship.I loved the way he called me by my nick name....SPEEDY

Shirley Ruffin-Wiley

December 10, 2008

To the Thornhill Family:
Sorry for the passing of your loved one. May God Bless you.

The Ruffin-Wiley Family

L> Regina Jenkins-Fields

December 10, 2008

Dear Val and family, my heart hurts for you. Please know that I am thinking of you and I have fond memories of us playing in my Aunt Erma's yard With sympathy- Gina

Michelle & David Smith

December 10, 2008

To the family, We are sorry for your loss. RIP Michael Thornhill, JHW Class of 86

Nichelle Breedlove (Harris)

December 10, 2008

I grew up with Michael and lived on Hampton Street. I was saddened when I learned of his passing. May God comfort and strengthen each one of you during this time of despair. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Kim T

December 10, 2008

To The Thornhill Family:

The presence can be felt through the memories. Wishing you comfort and prayers on your loss.

God Bless!

Eunice FREEMAN

December 10, 2008

I am so sadden by the loss of my dear friend . Just wanted to say to the family you are in my prayer's, Till we meet again . Truly Eunice Pittman Freeman

eunice freeman

December 10, 2008

We are saddened by your great loss,the loss of a vibrant and loving person who will be missed by all, but especially by you. Have faith,knowing that The Holy Scriptures teach that death is like opening a door and entering another room. We await the time of reunion. Heaven is Gods promise and our goal. We miss u Mike love always Ricky & Eunice Freeman

Cleo Graham

December 10, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Natalie Mosley

December 10, 2008

May God bless and strengthen you all in this time of sorrow. Only God and time can heal all wounds. You are always in my prayers.

Shana D. Jefferson

December 10, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Carnell Bagley

December 10, 2008

My heart goes out to Pastors Ron and Patrice, and the entire Thornhill family. My name is Carnell Bagley, and I had many conversations with Mike about the goodness of God. Mike would encourage me, and I would encourage him. Pastor Thornhill, though I haven't loss a sibling, my mother passed away in June so I know (as you do too) how God can take you through the impossible. Please continue to trust in God as I know you will. When my mother passed, I found strength in John 14, where Jesus promised that He prepared a place for us. The part I really like is that He said "..if it were not so, I would have told you." Praise God! Not a day goes by that I don't think about my mom; and I know you will forever cherish your brother. Yet, please remember God's faithfulness and the fact that you will see Mike again. May God bless and forever keep you.

Your Brother in Christ,
Carnell Bagley (& Family)

Reggie Pace

December 10, 2008

To the Thornhill family, my deepest sympathy. Although I haven't been in contact with Michael since our days at JHW, I very much consider him a friend. May God bless you all during this time.

Tammy Goode (White)

December 10, 2008

To The Thornhill Family, may you all find comfort at this difficult time.

Sis. Tammy Goode (White) and Family

Pastor Sherry Saunders

December 10, 2008

To the Thornhill family: As you go through this difficult time, know that the New Life Church in Franklin, VA is standing with you. We will continue to support you with our prayers and love.

Min Gina Whitaker

December 10, 2008

What a wonderful personality often sought by many....what a sense of humor....what a kind spirit.....that is the way I remember my friend Michael Thornhill. Michael was a highlight of the West End! I can't say I ever saw him frown. It's been a while since I have seen him...and although our paths did not often cross, I never forgot him. Isn't it amazing how God chooses certain people. Thank God for the word which tells us that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. How wonderful it is to know that Michael is in a better place. Yes...we will all miss him but my prayer is that God will provide the strength that we need both now and evermore! To Michael's family and friend's God bless, keep and grant you the peace that passeth all understanding!

General Cannon IV

December 10, 2008

To the Thornhill Family,
Thank all of you for raising and supporting this blessed brother during his walk of life. So many gifts and talents this young brother had and shard with us all, especially his gift of gab and his ability to make us all laugh. Your influences on him to be the positive man he was definitely spilled on me. At one time he was my shadow and I was his. Your physical lost will grow into a spiritual gain. God Bless you all.

Jackie Porter

December 10, 2008

Sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and your family at this time.

Estell Carter

December 10, 2008

To The Thornhill Family:
I am so sorry to learn of the death of your brother. I did not know him but I work at the VEC where Ron once worked. You are in my prayers.

Marisha McCollum

December 10, 2008

To the Family,

May God be with you during your time of sorrow.

Tisi

Charles and Dora Newman & The Roland Family

December 10, 2008

Our prayers and thoughts are for you as you deal with the loss of your brother. God will continously provide you peace and comfort.

Mary Gresham

December 10, 2008

My prayers are with the Thornhill family. I truly remember the great times we had in elementary and middle school. Us "West End" folks always stick together! May God bless you at this difficult time.

Kimberly Brayboy Hughes

December 10, 2008

May the God of healing ease your pain and my prayers are with you and the family.

Brenda (Lilly) Fitzgerald

December 10, 2008

To the Thornhill family, I am in shock to hear of the passing of Michael Thornhill. I grew up on Carter St. around the corner from the family. The family made me feel at home when I was around them even through my shyness. Valarie Iam truly sorry for your loss, although there are miles between us, you and your family are in my prayers.

Daniel Monroe,Sr.

December 9, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the Thornhill family.May god bless!

Dionne Drummond

December 9, 2008

To the family of Michael Thornhill, Sr
"Be Encouraged" and know that many thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.

Rev. & Mrs. Randy Burt, Sr.

December 9, 2008

To the Family, our prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with you during the loss of Michael. I know that your hearts may be heavy but know that God will give you peace. We share in your loss and grieve with you realizing however, that God does not make mistakes. He reached down and picked a beautiful flower from His garden by the name of Michael and he is now with the Lord. If there is anything that we can do for you, please don't hesitate to call us. Love, your family and friend Thelma Atkins-Burt.

Carolyn Rogers

December 9, 2008

To the family of Michael Thornhill,
May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God keep and comfort you through all the days ahead.

Carolyn Rogers

Michelle Burrell

December 9, 2008

To the Thornhill Family,
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May GOD bless you all.

Valerie Harris- Jones

December 9, 2008

The Harris & Jones family sent our deepest sympathy during this time of lost. We will keep your families in our prayers.

Penni Hairston

December 9, 2008

To the Thornhill family I was shock to here about Micheal passing. May God bless you in this time of sadness. My prayers are with you and your family.

Sis. Penni Hairston and Family (Roanoke, Va.)

Marvin Christian

December 9, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the Thornhill Family! Growing up in the West End, I always considered myself more than just a friend of the family, that's because Mr. and Mrs. Thornhill treated me like a son! All of the memories and experiences that Michael and I shared as friends helped to shaped me into the man that I am today. I will truly miss my "brother" Michael, he has always and will always be one of my best friends. You will truly be missed!
Marvin W. Christian

Keith Lewis

December 9, 2008

I want to send my deepest sympathy to the family, and continue to pray for you during these tough times. I'm sure going to miss conversating with my brother and his encouraging words, but we still can communicate through prayer.

Kim Walker-Richardson

December 9, 2008

To the family of Michael Thornhill,
May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joy Lambert

December 9, 2008

To the Thornhill Family,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. May the loving memories comfort you during this time.

William Hughes

December 9, 2008

Thornhill family
Just wanted to offer my deepest sympathy during this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
William "RED" Hughes

Mr.& Mrs. Keith Lewis

December 9, 2008

We were shocked to hear that our brother and dearest friend had passed, we truly love and miss MIKE! He loved his family, Shonda we thank you for making his life complete, you and those kids meant the world to him.We love yall, God Bless.

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December 14, 2008

Patrice Williamson-Miles posted to the memorial.

December 12, 2008

Tangela Lewis-Easter posted to the memorial.

December 12, 2008

Donna Bower posted to the memorial.