Chester Thornton, 84 of Leesburg, Virginia

~The Obituary~

Chester Thornton Sr. departed this life on Monday, September 16, 2019 at Heritage Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Leesburg, Virginia. Chester was one of nine children born, March 30, 1935 to the late Charles Edgar Thornton and Mozelle Bowles Thornton in Fredrick Maryland. Chester, the oldest, was born 10 minutes apart from his twin brother, the late Lester Thornton .

He received his education in the Loudon County Public School System. Chester worked in the construction field for over 35 years. He married the late Ruth E. Thornton, and from this union three children were born; Jackie, Chester Jr., and Shirley. Chester had a daughter, Ida Lucas from a previous relationship.

Much like his twin brother, Chester enjoyed gardening and was very handy with working on cars. Chester was very passionate about his family. His wife, his children, and especially his grandchildren whom he would spoil often by giving them a couple of dollars to buy candy or whatever they wanted. He loved spending as much time as possible with his family, even if it was to fuss at you, teach you about cars, or just  being around you, he was there! As mentioned, Chester loved all of his children but in his illness, he grew especially close to his daughter, Shirley. In fact, when she would visit him and when it was time for her to leave, he would put up such a fuss and would not let her leave.

Chester was a die-hard Redskins fan. He was always ready for game days! No matter how he felt, sick or tired the Redskins game was a must see! In his free time, he enjoyed working on his cars and watching old western shows.

In addition to his parents, wife and twin brother, Chester was preceded in death by his brother, Charles E. Thornton Jr.

Chester leaves to cherish many memories, three daughters, Ida Lucas (Melvin), Jackie Thornton and Shirley Thornton, all of Leesburg, Virginia and one son, Chester Thornton Jr. (Cynthia) of West Virginia; two grandsons, Patrick Thornton and Justin Johnson, of Sterling, Virginia, granddaughters, Jessica Green Chesson of Sterling, Virginia, Rashaun Trammel of Leesburg, Virginia, Shawn Marie and Chelsea Brent of West  Virginia; 12 great grandchildren; brothers, James Thornton (Marguerite), Samuel Thornton (Stella) both of Leesburg, Virginia and David Thornton (Doris) of Sterling, Virginia; sisters, Alice Lucas of Leesburg, Virginia, Jeanette Menefee (Alfred) of Winchester, Virginia and Mozelle Payton (Steve) of West Virginia; sister-in-law, Mary Thornton of Leesburg, Virginia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends who loved him dearly.

~ Weep not for me, Let all tears cease, For I have at last found peace ~

Quietly on Monday, September 16, 2019 , Chester Thornton transitioned to eternal life.

Viewing, 10:00 a.m. until time of Service, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 21, 2019 at First Baptist Church, 21449 Potomac View Road, Sterling, Virginia  20164.