No Public Viewing

Service Friday, February 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.; Long Beach Colonial Mortuary Chapel 638 Atlantic Avenue; Long Beach, CA.

Interment; Lincoln Memorial Park

Obituary
I was a sharp dresser, I would not wear clothes that weren't cleaned and pressed, I was a great dancer, I loved to hunt, drive fast cars, and my kids say that I swung a mean switch. But I am getting ahead of myself.

I Matthew Thornton was born September 26, 1927 in Forsters Alabama. I am the second of eight children born to Lem Thornton and Willie David (Elliott) Thornton. I have five brothers, L.T., Rufus Hezekiah (JC), Grady, John, Charlie and two sisters, Willie Mae and Vinnie Lee.  I came to know God at an early age and our family attended Dry Creek Baptist Church. I attended Dry Creek High School in Forsters Alabama.

I moved to Long Beach California in 1962 where I met and married, Mamie, my wife of over 50 years.

My life was very fulfilling, I could always be found in one of three places: Home, Work or at the Little League Baseball Field watching Warren play. I received great joy in the visits from Alabama by my daughter Lillie B. Together Mamie and I had a busy and loved filled household.

I was preceded in death by my parents, Lem and Willie D, my daughter Minnie Pearl Thornton, my five brothers and one sister Vinnie Lee Shellman.

I leave to celebrate my life: my wife Mamie, my sister Evangelist Willie Mae Harper (Otis), all of my children, Lillie B (Alabama), Warren, Danny, Michael, Ricky, James, Cynthia, Lisa and Janice, my twenty two Grandchildren, thirty four Great Grandchildren, and two Great Great Grandchildren.

I want to be remembered as a man who: Loved His Family!!
And
Worked Hard!!