Bobby "Jean" Thorne

Bobby Spann Thorne, born on August 31, 1938, in Sardis, Mississippi, and a longtime resident of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025. She was the fourth of five daughters born to the late Eugene and Alamond Spann.

Affectionately known as "Jean" in her early years, she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1957 and later attended William Penn Business School.

She was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church for more than 80 years, where she served dutifully on the usher board.

Dedicating thirty years of service to the United States Federal Government, she held positions at the U.S. Postal Service, Department of the Navy, Civil Service Commission, and the Department of Commerce. Following her retirement from federal service, she continued her career for five years with the City of Norfolk Department of Waste Management.

Bobby was predeceased by her husband Charles A. Thorne, Sr., parents Eugene and Alamond Thornton Spann, sisters Elizabeth Broadnax, Louise Bass, Joella Roberts, and brothers-in-law Curtis Broadnax, Calvin Bass Sr., James Roberts, and John Hobbs.

Bobby is survived by two devoted daughters: Constance Elice Alston (Glen Allen, VA) and Laurie Gene Alston (Leland, NC). She also leaves behind her loving sister, Johnnie Mae Hobbs (Fort Washington, MD), as well as her former husband and friend, Milton Alston (Norfolk, VA).

She leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and enduring love. Bobby deeply appreciated the support, trust, and friendship provided by Cynthia Sears, Frances Wynn, and Sharon Boone.

She will always be remembered as a quiet, soft-spoken woman with a tremendous faith in God.