John Louis "Timmy" Thornton

John Louis Thornton was born November 4th, 1956, in Halifax County Virginia to the parents, John Henry Thornton and Mary T. Thortan Barkstale. He passed on October 18th, 2021, at home surrounded by loved ones. John (nickname Tim) received his early childhood education from the Virginia public schools. He relocated to Wilmington, Delaware to further his high school education at Wilmington High School. He was employed at R.C. Constructions. He did various jobs for 40 plus years.

John was a hard-working man who loved and cared about his family and friends. Even people he didn't know, he would give and offer to anyone. No matter if it was food from his cabinet to clothes out the trunk of his car. Each time you enter his home, a strong man was taking care of his mother and wife all his life while trying to be there for everyone else. Any conversation ger ad with you would end with him telling you to pray about it.

John was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church. He was as committed as a mentor and vision of hope for recovering persons. His favorite hobby was fishing and helping others. John lived a life of love, compassion, and kindness to people from all walks of life. He was a loving husband, father, son, uncle, and friend. He was devoted to his wife, Portia, of 36 plus years. He will be truly missed and deeply loved by all.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Henry Thornton; sisters, Josephine Thompson and Peggy William; brother, Willie Thornton.

John is survived by his spouse; Portia Thornton, children; John Johnson, Tymere Johnson, Cortney Smith, Timean Harrell (Thomas), Natasha Watson (Thomas), Anjea Guzman, mother; Mary T. Barksdale, siblings; Elizabeth Cornish, Betty Thornton. Rebecca Deshield (James), Mattie Shabazz; 19 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 3 god-children; host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Devoted niece, Linda Brooks; best friend, Ernest Edwards; devoted friend, Deloras Alexander; 2 sisters-in-law; 2 brothers-in-law; mother- in law, Dora Kelly. Previous Events


Public Viewing


OCT 25. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET)

House of Wright Mortuary - Wilmington
208 East 35th Street
Wilmington, DE 19802

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Celebration of Life


OCT 25. 11:00 AM (ET)

House of Wright Mortuary - Wilmington
208 East 35th Street
Wilmington, DE 19802

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Graveside Service


OCT 25 (ET)

Silverbrook Cemetery
3300 Lancaster Ave
Wilmington, DE 19805

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