SR1713 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1713 LRB100 21888 ALS 39755 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John A. Thornton, who passed away on April 25, 2018; and

WHEREAS, John Thornton was born in Damascus, Arkansas to William C. and Essie Watson Thornton on June 10, 1946; he was a proud graduate of Horace Mann High School in Little Rock, Arkansas and frequently attended his class reunions; he completed his undergraduate studies in St. Louis, Missouri and earned his master's degree from Sangamon State University, now the University of Illinois-Springfield; he married Alleen Washington in Springfield on July 31, 1982; and

WHEREAS, John Thornton was an English and Literature teacher in District 186 for over 30 years; he taught at Grant and Washington Middle Schools and Springfield High School; he also served as a coordinator and advisor for extracurricular high school clubs for several years; and

WHEREAS, John Thornton was a lifelong, active member of The Church of the Living God, C.W.F.F, a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a former big brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters; and

WHEREAS, John Thornton was an avid music lover, including jazz, reggae, p-funk, and gospel; he enjoyed watching old Western movies, professional boxing matches, and sports; his favorite activities were family vacations and holidays; his proudest accomplishment was becoming a grandfather; and

WHEREAS, John Thornton was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters; and

WHEREAS, John Thornton is survived by his wife, Alleen; his daughter, Lucretia DeShawn Barnes; his son, Jalany Thornton; his grandson, Bryson Greenwood; his brothers, Samuel Smith, Kenneth Stout, and Walter Lee Johnson; his sisters, Parthenia Campbell Sims, Linda (Melvin) Givens, and Belinda (Willie) Kelly; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John A. Thornton and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Thornton as an expression of our deepest sympathy.