Willie Issac Thornton

IN LOVING MEMORY OF WILLIE ISSAC THORNTON
There are men whose lives quietly unfold, and there are men whose lives speak loudly through faith, love, service, and steadfast character. Deacon Willie Issac Thornton was such a man. Grounded in humility, rich in wisdom, and unwavering in his devotion to God and family, Willie lived a life that reflected Christ in both word and deed. His strength was gentle, his counsel thoughtful, his laughter sincere, and his faith enduring. To know him was to encounter a man who walked consistently with God and loved deeply those entrusted to him.
Deacon Willie Issac Thornton was born on July 1, 1956, the second son of proud parents, Willie Edgar Thornton and Carol Ann (Clark) Thornton. He spent his early years in Waco, Texas, where the foundation of his values, faith, and character was formed. Willie graduated from Jefferson Moore High School in 1971. At an early age, he was baptized at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church in Waco under the leadership of the late Reverend G. B. Prince, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and devotion to God.
Following graduation, Willie explored various employment opportunities in Waco, gaining life experience and sharpening his work ethic. He also sought to enlist in the United States military, demonstrating his desire to serve; however, due to a burn injury sustained during childhood, he was unable to do so. Even then, his heart for service remained evident throughout his life.
In the mid-1970s, Willie relocated to Anchorage, Alaska, where he would build a lasting legacy. He was eventually employed by the Anchorage School District, where he faithfully served for 38 years. Willie worked as a (BPO) at Bartlett High School, West High School, and Dimond High School, before retiring after decades of dedicated service. He deeply loved and cherished the time he spent working with students and staff, leaving a quiet yet meaningful impact in the hearts of many students and across the district. Willie was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to serve, often giving more of himself than he ever asked for in return. Yet when the load became heavy and he felt himself being stretched a little too thin, he had a way of lovingly drawing the line by saying, "Y'all kill a good horse if I let ya," reminding those around him that even the most dependable must know when to pause and take care.
During his time in Alaska, Willie met and fell in love with Sharone Elaine Edwards, the love of his life. Together, they were blessed with four children: one son, Iazell Prentiss Thornton, and three daughters, Delores Vanessa Thornton, Danielle Devron Thornton, and Ne'cole Sharone Thornton. Willie and Sharone also opened their hearts and home to others, helping raise additional children, including his niece and nephew, as well as several beautiful foster children in Anchorage, Alaska. Their union was one of faith, love and commitment, and they remained faithfully joined in holy matrimony for 43 years until his passing.
At home, Willie's personality was just as memorable as his leadership. When hunger struck and it was time to eat, there was no mistaking his intentions. With a laugh and unmistakable seriousness, he would declare, "I'm not starving for anybody," a phrase that became a family favorite and a reminder that Dad appreciated a good meal, good timing, and gathering together-preferably sooner rather than later. More than words, Willie expressed love through action. His true love language was found in the care he took to prepare a meal for those he loved; making sure everyone was fed, welcomed and cared for.
Willie united with Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Doctor A. B. Patterson, where he continued to grow spiritually and serve faithfully. In due time, he accepted the call to the Deacon ministry and was eventually elevated to Chairman of the Deacon Board in 2017, serving with humility, wisdom, and dedication.
Throughout the years, Willie remained deeply spiritual and steadfast in his love for God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. For many years, he and his high school classmates shared "Words of Wisdom" and scriptures on Facebook-simple yet powerful reflections of the faith, encouragement, and insight that flowed naturally from his heart. Beyond his service and leadership, Willie was known for his ability to bring calm and perspective in moments of tension. Whether conversations grew heavy with disappointment, misunderstanding, or even disagreement, he had a way of gently interrupting the moment with a simple yet profound reminder: "Stay in love, stay in love" It was more than a phrase-it was a principle by which he lived. In those three words, Willie reminded everyone that love was always greater than conflict, unity more important than pride, and grace more powerful than being right. That gentle wisdom often softened hearts, restored peace, and left a room of laughter-just as he intended.
Deacon Willie Issac Thornton was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Anne Thornton; his father, Willie E. Thornton; his uncle, Leo Reed; and his sisters, Sandra Y. Kennedy and Billie Reneil Randolph.
He is remembered in life by his children Iazell Thornton, Deloris Thornton, Danielle Thornton, Ne'cole Thornton and Jillian Jackson; his two grandsons, Benji Thornton and Bleu Thornton, and one granddaughter, Icylnn Thornton; his sisters, Beverly Christine Degrate and Susan Victoria; his brothers, Bobby Wayne Thornton and Mark Anthony Thornton; his aunts, Mary (Johnny) Stroud, Laura Clark-Earl, and Christine Clark Banks; and a host of devoted and beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, church family, and friends.