Letitia Thornton's Obituary
Letitia Thornton, 70, of Chattanooga, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at her residence. She was born July 5, 1954, to Jep and Louise Thornton. Letitia was the fourth of five children born to Jep and Louise Thornton, both of LaGrange, GA. She was preceded in death by her loving parents; her sister, Louvene Thornton White; and her niece, Nikki Montgomery Bolden. God blessed Letitia with many talents, and she shared her gifts with as many people as possible. She was always making things and giving them to others. Letitia was saved at a very young age but began a close relationship with God in 1979, which she described as wonderful. She worked at several places in Chattanooga, TN, as well as at BellSouth in Atlanta, GA. A proud graduate of Howard High School's Class of 1972, she also attended UT Chattanooga. Letitia was a longtime member of Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, Friendship Central Community Church, and the Titus II Women’s Class. She participated in numerous organizations across the city, including serving on the Board of Rainbow Daycare Center. Though maintaining employment was challenging due to continuous health problems, Letitia never stopped trying. She drew strength from God, her parents, family, and friends, who encouraged her every step of the way. “My sister, Louvene, gave me lots of love and encouragement. My only child, Rodney, when he was young, gave me the will to fight to see him grow up. I told God just how tired I was of this life. I was truly ready to go home. By the way, if I offended anyone, I am truly sorry. I meant no harm and sincerely apologize. Many times, I just spoke what I felt, and I admit that there were times I should have kept my mouth sealed.” Left to cherish her memory are her son, Rodney Thornton; daughter-in-law, Lisa Thornton; her grandchildren, Rodney L. Thornton Jr., Jazmine R. Thornton, Christopher D. Thornton, and Taylor L. Caldwell; her brother, Robert L. Thornton; her sisters, Mary T. Jackson and Phyllis T. Ware; her nephews, Jeffrey D. Jackson and Lorenzo Thornton; and her nieces, Raekisha Anafi, Roquell Thornton, Rochelle Hughes, and Natasha Ware, whom she raised as a daughter. She is also survived by her loving cousin, James Broughton; her lifetime friend since the first grade, Marsha Fairbanks Hayes; devoted friends, L. Kay Hunter and Vickie Fielder Thornhill; and her beloved dog, Royal. Letitia leaves these words from her father, Jep Thornton: “You only come through here once, so make the very best of it and depend solely on God.” Before you wonder—yes, I wrote and typed my program because I knew my son, Rodney, would need help (smile). I look forward to seeing you all again when God calls you home. Letitia will lie-in-state on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 12 noon in Forest Hills Cemetery with Pastor Gary Hathaway giving words of comfort.
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