Franklin Thornton Jr.

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Franklin Thornton Obituary

Franklin W. Thornton Jr. NORFOLK - Franklin W. "Little Frank" Thornton Jr., 65, of the 2100 block of Ballentine Blvd., died Jan. 12, 2009. Born in Norfolk, he was the president and funeral director of Hale Funeral Home Inc., and the program head of funeral services at John Tyler Community College for 15 years. He was a member of Grace Episocopal Church, Norfolk, and the past president of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Norfolk Design Review Committee and Norfolk's Public Art Commission, Norfolk Funeral Directions and Embalmers Association, Tidewater Funeral Directors Association, and Uptown Guys. He was featured in March's edition of The Virginian-Pilot in the Business section and the Hampton Roads section. He received his A.A.S. from John Tyler Community College, his B.F.A. from Howard University and his M.F.A. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was predeceased by his mother, Gladys Hale Thornton and his father, Franklin W. Thornton Sr. He is survived by his wife, Camille Thornton; aunt, Mabel Ferebee; two brothers, Howard Hale Thornton (Thomas Powers, partner) of Washington, D.C., and Richard B. Thornton (Linda) of Hartland, Maine; nephew, Dylan Thornton; niece, Kaili Patrakis; god sister, Tracy Brown White; and many other relatives and friends. A funeral will be held at noon Saturday in Grace Episcopal Church, 1400 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, Father Harold Cobb presiding. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A wake will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in St. John's AME Church, 545 E. Bute St. Hale Funeral Home is in charge. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a public library in his honor. On behalf of his family and staff, we thank you for your prayers, thoughts and acts of kindness. www.halefuneralhome.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Franklin Thornton

9 Entries

Debra Dollar

January 21, 2009

Richard, I haven't seen you since we graduated high school in 1964. I came to the wake because I knew I would not be able to attend the funeral, but Howard said you were en-route from Maine at the time. I was looking forward to seeing you, but I guess there won't be any reason for you to come back this way. My prayers are with you and your family.

A friend from C Ave.
Debra Long Dollar

Raymond Mullins

January 19, 2009

To the Family, Friends and associates of Franklin Thornton, Jr.

I met Frank upon my arrival at Howard University in August 1961. He lived on the famous second floor of the Charles R. Drew Hall freshman dorm. We had a lively group of men who enjoyed life and ultimately went on to have positive influences in their respective communities. Frank was no exception. Because Frank’s family owned a funeral home, he was tagged with the nickname, “Snatcher” (al la body snatcher). He was well-liked by all that knew him.

I had the occasion of talking to Frank a couple of times during the last few years. He has relatives and friends here in Michigan and in various parts of the United States that will sorely missed him.

I hereby extend my deepest sympathy to his family, friends and associates. May God care for you during your hour of sorrow.

Alicia Newby

January 17, 2009

Camille, I heard about your husband and I want to let you know I've been thinking about you and I trust that you will find comfort. (I just met you Sunday at TCC)

Randolph Harrison

January 17, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the Thornton Family. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of need.

Gwendolyn White

January 15, 2009

God bless you in your time of sorrow. Mr. Thorton was so kind to my family for years and his professionalism will be missed. Gwendolyn White and family

Patricia Ridley-Barnes

January 15, 2009

I will keep the family in my prayers. I was a neighbor of the Thornton family during my early years. My brother (Michael Ridley) and Richard were schoolmates, as we lived on the corner of Barre & Galt Street (Langley famiy). I kept in contact with Richard and his father (before he passed) and often wondered about Richard and Howard. I plan to come to the Wake to share with the family and hope to see them. Again you have my deepest sympathy.

Earlene Edler

January 15, 2009

THE EDLER FAMILY SHARE IN YOUR SORROW IN HIS PASSING. HE WAS A CLASSMATE OF MINE FROM BTW '61

Louis Hughes, Jr.

January 14, 2009

classmate, friend deepest smypathy to your family.

Clyde McDaniel

January 14, 2009

You have my deepest sympathies. Frank was a life-long friend and will be fondly remembered.

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