The Wonderful Life of Essie Lee Williams Thornton

Essie Lee Williams Thornton was born August 10, 1931 in Canton, MS to the late Willie and Sarah Williams of Madison County, MS. She was united in holy matrimony to A.C. Williams of Canton, MS and through this union 12 children were born; 5 preceded her in death. Essie was preceded in death by her parents, 4 sisters and 5 brothers. Essie began working for the Lord after confessing Christ as her personal savior at the age of 12. Essie joined New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi in 1967 where she remained an active and committed member for 54 years until her transition. Essie was dedicated to serving the Lord fully. During her faithful years, Essie was President of the Trustee Board; President of the Usher Board; Vice President of the Sanctuary Choir and Sunday School teacher. She was the first one at church to open the doors with all her children before Sunday School started. Essie was also a devoted member many of other areas and various auxiliaries. She attended all church services every time the church doors were open. She had the keys to the church; therefore she opened the church because she most times she was the first one there. She enjoyed providing transportation to anyone to church or around town with her station wagon. She would drop off her children early at church, then pick up others and still be on time for church. After her mother passed, she started working around 10 years of age and helped raise her siblings. After marriage, she and her late husband managed a grocery store and a gas station at two different locations. Essie had excellent work ethics and believed in doing things right the first time. She ensured working traits were passed on to her children and grandchildren by having them work

alongside her. Later she started working for MALACO Records Inc. as their first employee. Essie’s tenure at MALACO Records ended after 40 years when she retired. Most of her grandchildren was blessed when registered by parents in Grandmas’ boot camp during summer months. Boot camp consisted such things as making up the bed before going to work at 5am, complete all daily chores, eat at all you can eat buffets, go to all church services, play after all work is done, pray, be ready for bed at 8pm. Essie enjoyed teaching children. Essie had a loud and contagious laugh. She loved talking to anyone about the word of God. She loved to live right before God. She had great love for everyone and provided guidance to everyone whenever she could. She had a great desire to see everyone delicate their life to Christ. Those who knew Essie enjoyed her godly love and free spirit. She leaves behind to cherish her memories 7 children: 1 daughter: Jacqueline Stewart of Atascocita, TX. 6 sons: Fredie (Julie) Williams Lavon, TX; John (Linda) Williams & Charles (Denise) Williams both of Jackson, MS; Jimmy (Edna) Williams Dublin, GA; James (Pamela) Williams Columbus, GA; Albert (Michelle) Williams of Houston, TX. 4 stepchildren: Jimmy Thornton; Harrison (Mary) Thornton, and Dorothy (Willie) Dotson all of Jackson, MS and Roosevelt (Gladys) Thornton of Oakwood, GA; raised 2 grandchildren: Benita (Wynnton) Ellis, and Barbara Diane Williams, both of Jackson, MS. 3 sisters: Courtney Mae Lipsey of Gary, IN; Lula Mae Eubanks of Jackson, MS; Sally Bolyjack of Austell, GA; 3 brothers: Rev. Sam (Teresa) Williams; and Frank (Mary) Williams both of Jackson, MS and Caleb (Nancy) Williams of Savannah GA. 38 grandchildren; 66 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grands; A god-daughter, Anita Lindsey of Jackson, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.Funeral services will be Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., Greater Antioch M.B. Church, 175 Richardson Drive, Jackson, MS 39209 with burial in Autumn Woods Cemetery, 4000 W. Northside Drive, Jackson, MS 39209.

Visitation will be Friday, September 17, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Westhaven Funeral Home and Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 10:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m., Greater Antioch M. B. Church.

Please view the link for live streaming: https://m.facebook.com/AntiochMBJackson/