SR1713LRB100 21888 ALS 39755 r


  
1
SENATE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to 
3learn of the death of John A. Thornton, who passed away on 
4April 25, 2018; and
  
 
5    WHEREAS, John Thornton was born in Damascus, Arkansas to 
6William C. and Essie Watson Thornton on June 10, 1946; he was a 
7proud graduate of Horace Mann High School in Little Rock, 
8Arkansas and frequently attended his class reunions; he 
9completed his undergraduate studies in St. Louis, Missouri and 
10earned his master's degree from Sangamon State University, now 
11the University of Illinois-Springfield; he married Alleen 
12Washington in Springfield on July 31, 1982; and
  
 
13    WHEREAS, John Thornton was an English and Literature 
14teacher in District 186 for over 30 years; he taught at Grant 
15and Washington Middle Schools and Springfield High School; he 
16also served as a coordinator and advisor for extracurricular 
17high school clubs for several years; and
  
  
18    WHEREAS, John Thornton was a lifelong, active member of The 
19Church of the Living God, C.W.F.F, a proud member of the Omega 
20Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a former big brother with Big 
21Brothers Big Sisters; and
  
  
 
 
SR1713- 2 -LRB100 21888 ALS 39755 r

1    WHEREAS, John Thornton was an avid music lover, including 
2jazz, reggae, p-funk, and gospel; he enjoyed watching old 
3Western movies, professional boxing matches, and sports; his 
4favorite activities were family vacations and holidays; his 
5proudest accomplishment was becoming a grandfather; and
  
 
6    WHEREAS, John Thornton was preceded in death by his parents 
7and his two sisters; and
  
 
8    WHEREAS, John Thornton is survived by his wife, Alleen; his 
9daughter, Lucretia DeShawn Barnes; his son, Jalany Thornton; 
10his grandson, Bryson Greenwood; his brothers, Samuel Smith, 
11Kenneth Stout, and Walter Lee Johnson; his sisters, Parthenia 
12Campbell Sims, Linda (Melvin) Givens, and Belinda (Willie) 
13Kelly; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and 
14friends; therefore, be it
  
 
15    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL 
16ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
17John A. Thornton and extend our sincere condolences to his 
18family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it 
19further
  
 
20    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
21presented to the family of John Thornton as an expression of 
22our deepest sympathy.