Donald Lee Thornton, Sr., of Suitland, Maryland, departed this life and entered into eternal rest on May 13, 2024. His mother Alberta Thornton and brothers Stuart and Dewayne Thornton proceeded him in death.

Donald was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on March15,1941. His journey in life started after graduation from Booker T. Washington High School in 1960. After graduation he met and married the late Shirley (Alston) Thornton, and together they moved to Washington, DC and from their union were born two children, Tracy and Donald Thornton, Jr. Being a responsible young man, Donald knew he had to provide for his family.  In doing so, he held various positions which included D.C. Bus Drive (1966-1970), Metropolitan Police Officer (1971-1985) and served as an Investigator with the Department of Human Services from 1985 until he retired in 2015. Instead of enjoying the relaxation of retirement, Donald started working a part-time position at Walmart in Dunkirk, MD until his health suddenly declined March of this year.

Donald joined Deanwood Baptist Church in 1984 under the leadership of Pastor Michael C. Turner and served 4 years as a Reserve Trustee.

The one good thing about Donald was that he had a passion for helping people, especially the youth.  Anytime someone needed a helping hand, a ride to work/school or a shoulder to lean on, he was always there to give you his honest opinion. For example-true testimony, one of his assignments as a Metropolitan Police Officer was to work at Kelly Miller Junior High School in Washington, DC where he enforced the law to young adults. You could bet, if any kid thought about ditching school, Officer Thornton would be right on their hills to bring them back… kicking and screaming all while explaining to them that there's nothing in the streets far better than their education.  Eventually, all the kids got a kick out of "No Non-Sense Officer Thornton" because they understood that there was no escaping him, even if they tried.

In his life, Donald, Sr. was considered a "Rolling Stone" and out of that experience three blessings were born Sonya, Christopher, and Jazlyn. He was also known to be a money cruncher that held on to a penny till it screamed.

In 1995, he met and married his second wife Barbara Jean which was short lived, however, in his final quest for love he met and married his devoted wife, Shernita (Garrett) Thornton in 2010 and from their union, his last son was born, Darnell Thornton.

Shernita always loved her man, Donald Lee Thornton. Sr. from day one. She would do just about anything to make sure he knew just how much she loved him. And one way of doing so was cooking him a hearty meal. Shernita loves to cook, and Donald loved her cooking!!! Shernita has been a devoted wife that stood by her husband's side till the day the Lord called him home.

Donald Thornton, Sr. leaves behind to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted wife, Shernita Thornton, Daughters: Tracy Thornton, Sonya Johnson, Jazlyn Boulware; Sons: Donald Thornton, Jr., Christopher Brown, Darnell Thornton; Stepchildren: Mathew Carter, Shelby Wagner, and Derick Whitmire. Twelve Grandchildren, Nine Great-grandchildren, Brother: Tarawa (TA) Thornton; Mother-in-law: Bettie Garrett; Two Sister-in-laws; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. He also leaves to cherish his memories three special friends: Harold Griffin, Richard Whitehurst and Reginald Wiggins who have been in his life from the beginning to the end.

Special thanks to Bettie Garrett (mother-in-law) a caring, loving and kind person who gave great support to her daughter in helping to take care of her son-in-law.  Just like his best friend, Harold Griffin, a brother from another mother!

Friends may visit with the family Wednesday, May 22 from 10am until time of funeral service at 11am in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment immediately to follow at Heritage Memorial Cemetery Waldorf, MD.

On Wednesday, May 22nd at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream