Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Thurman Obituary
One brother, one sister and one brother-in-law preceded him in death.
He was called by the Lord on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, in Clinton. John graduated from Sumner Hill High School in 1974. He went on to attend Hinds Junior College and West Virginia State University. John served 3 years active duty and 2 years reserve duty in the U.S. Navy. John was employed with the Clinton Fire Department from March of 1988 until his death. He provided them with twenty-one years of faithful service.
He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife, Joe Ann Thurman; one son, John Obadiah Thurman; four loving daughters, Rachel, Bridgette, Octavia Marie and Rebekah Thurman; his mother, Della Thurman; one brother, Wesley (Josephine) Garner; four sisters, Mary (Henry) Moore, Willie B. Taylor, Betty (Henry) Young and Sarah (Elisha) Love, all of Jackson, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services are Wednesday, October 28, 2009, @ 11:00 A.M., Blacks Chapel M.B. Church, with visitation today from 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. @ Westhaven. Burial will be at Garden Memorial Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Thurman
Lula Manuel
October 31, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
October 30, 2009
JoeAnn & Family,
May God continue to Bless you all at this most difficult time. Please know that we care and share your sorrow.
Tony & Florence McLin
Judy Varney
October 28, 2009
Dear Joe Ann,
Doug and I were so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your children are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Anderson
October 28, 2009
Joe Ann,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
October 28, 2009
To the Thurman Family
I was personnally sadden when I heard about your lost. You have our condolences. John Thurman was truely a gifted person, and a talented athlete. Even today some of his accomplishments still remain in our record books. May God put a smile on your face and in your heart as only He can. John will never be forgotten, and is forever enshrined in our Sports Hall of Fame, and with God for eternity. May God be a blessing to you all.
Sincerly
William"Billy"Lipscomb,President
National WClub Association
West Virgina State University
Patricia Burks
October 28, 2009
Joe Ann & Family
Words cannot express my sorrow for you at this time; it is not real to me that John is gone. He is such a wonderful husband and father and friend. I remember the horse that you purchased and smile. May God Bless and keep you and know that we love you
Jackie and Ginny Squires (Star Volunteer Fire Department)
October 28, 2009
May your memories bring comfort during this sorrowful time.
October 28, 2009
Family of Mr. John Thurman,
I only had the pleasure of meeting you all once in 2008, when John was inducted into the West Virginia State Hall of Fame. I was taken by the "beautiful family". It was obvious how proud you were and awesome to see you guys support your Dad's. legacy. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.
Mrs. Kisstaman Epps (WVSU staff)
Laverne Harrison-Anthony
October 28, 2009
To the Thurman Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. John and I were classmates at Sumner Hill.
Had not seen him in years, but he was a person that you never forget. May God bless you all.
October 28, 2009
Joe Ann and Family, Our prayers are with you and your family, remember GOD will not put no more on you than you can bear, keep your head up because you can truly say Thank God for the many years he allowed your husband to be with you and the kids. Keep your hand in GOD hand because he truly loved your husband you and the kids as well. Trooper Thomas, Elaine, Ashley and Thomas, Jr., Hopkins, (Bolton, MS)
Leona and Greg Phillips
October 27, 2009
Joe Ann and Family
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you. May God bless you and keep you as you go through this time of grief.
Lynn Bullock
October 27, 2009
Joe Ann and family,
I would like to express my deepest heartfelt sympathy. I will be praying for all of you during this most difficult time. May God bless your family.
James,Addie & kimberly Ingram
October 27, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family in your time of grief.May your memories and love bring you comfort.
October 27, 2009
John was a very friendly person that was truley a blessing to everyone he came in contact with. My heart and prayers goes out to his family.
Patricia King (WVSU 1981)
Joe and Mary Fox
October 27, 2009
Joe Ann and Family
Our hearts go out to each of you. John was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He loved unconditionally and was well loved in return. A man of character, strong in faith, full of wisdom....He leaves the best of himself in each of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Funches
October 27, 2009
Joann,
I am truly sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Be Blessed
Deborah Williams Banks
October 27, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
October 27, 2009
John D. was a loving classmate, good neighbor, and all around beautiful person. He always took time to talk and do things for my mother. He had a wonderful family. God has chosen the most beautiful flower of all to add to his bouquet.
Love,
Thelma, Mrs. Sophia & Family
Shirley S Perkins
October 27, 2009
Joe Ann and Family
I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt sympathy during this most difficult time.. John will long be remembered for his love of family.... May God keep and bless you.
John Davis
October 26, 2009
John was a wonder to this world, I met him in 1988 when he stated with the Clinton Fire Dept. We helped each other over the years and he is a great person. God Bless
Marland Miles
October 26, 2009
Mrs. Thurman & Family
John was a great man. He was like a big brother and father to me. I remember countless nights where we'll be talking on the phone and preparing for the upcoming football season. He was a inspirational leader and friend. May god bless the Thurman Family.
October 26, 2009
Mrs. Thurman & Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Andrea Green - Washington, DC (WVSU 1984)
Ayana Jackson
October 26, 2009
I never knew Mr. Thurman personally, but I knew him through his daughter Rachel.
Rachel and I were room-mates Miss. College together. She would talk about her daddy so much that it was like I knew him personally.
Rachel, may you and your family find peace within. Know that daddy loved you, your mom and your siblings. And although he is not with you physically, daddy will always be with you, guiding you through life.
Rachel is and will always be a sister to me.
Bridgette Thurman
October 26, 2009
obviously i couldnt sleep but daddy we miss you and we love you with all your heart..its hard to think about not talking to you,seeing you and hearing your voice (everytime the phone rings i still think its you calling) but i can honestly say that i know your in a better place but we all wish you was here with us..we love you daddy...until we meet again..
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in John Thurman's name
Memorial Events
for John Thurman
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Thurman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
