Charlie Lewis Thornton

Charlie Thornton was born to the late John Arthur Thornton and Ethel Inez Thornton on October 26, 1945 in Anniston, Alabama. He was the sixth of nine children.

Charlie gave his life to the Lord and was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost at a young age. He attended New Jerusalem AFM Church of God in Anniston, Alabama. As a servant of God, he used his gifts and talents in the Music Ministry. He became the Choir director of district #1 for the General Assembly, held annually in Birmingham, Alabama. He was also the Choir director for the annual youth Convention. Charlie’s cousin, James “Jimmy” Thomas, served alongside him in this ministry and was a very big support.

Charlie graduated from Cobb Avenue High School where he took a vocational training in automotive mechanics. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served two years with them. After serving in the Army, Charlie relocated to Massachusetts and reconnected with his longtime southern friends there, the late Amos and Andretta rankins and Pastor Samuel and edith darden. he eventually settled into his own place of residence at the YMCA in Cambridge, MA.

During his time in Massachusetts, Charlie took additional classes in auto body repair and drove a taxi before gaining employment as a tractor trailer driver at UPS. In 2003, after 35 years of service, he retired from UPS. Charlie also continued participating in music ministry when he moved to Massachusetts by joining The Way of the Cross Choir in Boston. One night, he sang with The Way of the Cross at a revival that his friend, Pastor Sam, was preaching at. That night at the revival, Charlie met a jovial and loving Christian woman named Charlotte Simmons. He offered her a ride home and asked her what church she was attending. A few weeks later, he visited her church and had another conversation with her. This time, he asked her for her number and they began dating. On July 24, 1971, at First Holiness Church in Cambridge, MA, Charlie and Charlotte got married and remained at each other’s side for many years to come. On July 24, 2021, they celebrated 50 years of marriage.

A few years after marriage, Charlie and Charlotte bought a home in Billerica, MA, where they conceived and raised their two children, Clifton Thornton and Cassandra (Thornton) Lewis. Charlie and Charlotte were devoted to raising their children in the Christian faith. They began attending Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Cambridge, MA under Reverend Aiden C. Ward, which is the church that Charlotte grew up in. When their children got older, they decided to start attending New England Pentecostal Ministries, which was nearby on Blossom Street in Lowell, MA, under Bishop Stanley Choate and his wife, Pastor Ruth Choate. When this church relocated to Pelham, NH in the late 80’s, they re- turned to Charlotte’s home church in Cambridge, which was renamed Abundant Life Church and presided by Bishop Lawrence Ward and his wife, Reverend Dr. Virginia Ward. Charlie loved participating in the Bible studies at Abundant Life and was always open to lending a hand any way he could there.

While Charlie was a biological father of two, he was a surrogate father and role model to many. he loved to help his friends, family, and neighbors the best way that he could. He was a man of many talents: a carpenter, welder, mechanic, plumber, farmer, botanist, landscaper, baker, and quilter. He was a great provider, leader, advisor, and friend. As Charlie’s health started failing, he and his wife, Charlotte, re- located to Florida in March 2021, which is where their son lives. There, the Lord called him home on May 20, 2022 in Sun City Center, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Mary Louise Thornton, Lue Alice Thornton; and his brother, Willie D. Thornton.

Charlie Thornton leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Charlotte Thornton; his loving children, Clifton Thornton and Cassandra (Thornton) Lewis; daughter-in-law, Nicholette Thornton; seven adoring grandchildren, Samone (Jeremy), CJ, Xavier, Cameron, Cayanna, Mya, and Judah; great grandson, Jaxson; four sisters, Doris, Ethel, Queen, and Tawanza Thornton; four sisters-in-law, Betty Thornton, Sandra Davis, Valdace Levarity, and Margaret Levarity; brother, Henry Thornton; two brothers-in- law, Reverend Thomas (Elizabeth) Simmons and Eugene (Louise) Levarity; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family, and friends

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