The funeral services for the late Mrs. Frances Hampton Thornton of 377 Hodge King Drive., Ashburn, Georgia, who departed this life on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at her residence, will be held on Saturday, August 19,2023 at 11:00 a.m., from the Emmery Chapel AME Church in Ashburn, Georgia. Bishop Dr. Arthur West will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Westview Memorial Cemetery in Ashburn, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live From the “Shipps Funeral Home” Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home Page.

Frances Thornton, age 83, mother of six and a faithful, loving wife of thirty-three years died at her home on the evening of August 9, 2023, after a lengthy illness.

Frances was born in 1940 in Dooley County, GA to Ollis Hampton and Annie Lee Barron. Her father died when she was just a toddler. Shortly thereafter, her mother moved Frances along with her three siblings to Ashburn, GA where she attended the Turner County public school system. Frances resided in Ashburn until her death.

Frances came to Christ early in life and joined Emmery Chapel A.M.E. Church at the age of 14. She used to say, God will make way.” In 1958, she married Eddie Thornton. She was a devoted wife and mother who worked tirelessly to maintain an orderly household and keep peace amongst her children.

By profession, Frances was a housewife. She spent her days doing household chores and caring for her children and husband. Frances ran a tight ship at her home. She was also an avid gardener and delighted in caring for her plants. For many years, Frances grew a myriad of floral delights such as roses, four-o-clocks, lilies and ferns in her front yard. She also planted vegetable gardens into her 70s and each year used the bounty to fill up her freezer locker”, feed her flock and share the abundance with friends and neighbors.

Even though Frances never learned to drive a car, every Sunday afternoon, she walked her children all over Ashburn to visit various family members. Family was very important to Frances, and her love for her family is her true legacy. Whether it was providing care or visiting a sick relative, preparing a meal, or sharing fresh vegetables from her garden. These were all the ways she communicated her love for her family.

Later in life as her children left home, Frances discovered a love of travel. She was especially fond of visiting out-of-state relatives and loved being near the beach. When life became difficult, Frances spoke of the need to walk along the beach. Also, she was thrilled and especially passionate about being a grandparent. She adored her grandchildren and found great joy in spoiling them. She would sing off-key with them, dance around and play games, give them too many sweet treats, buy presents, give them money and prepare amazing meals complete with desserts. She also disciplined, encouraged and praised them as well.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie (Leeman) Thornton, Ollis Hampton (father), Annie Lee Zanders (mother), Fred Hampton (brother); two children- Bobby Thornton (son), Mary Lee Thornton (daughter)

Left to cherish and honor her memory are her six children: Two caring sons- Eddie Thornton and Kevin Thornton both of Ashburn, GA; Four adoring, dedicated daughters-Cindy Kenchens of Ashburn, GA, Sheila Weaver (Robert) of North Brunswick, NJ, Natalie Logan (Eric) of Thomaston, GA, and Franteshia Thornton of Beaverton, OR; Two devoted sisters - Martha Sexton from Rahway, NJ and Ollie Mae Middlebrooks of Ashburn, GA; Two Sisters in Law-Mandy Thornton of Ashburn, GA and Ollie Mae Hampton of Nashville, TN; Brother in Law-Albert Spears; Four Grandchildren- Jalessa Kenchens, Nakaja Weaver, Tia Logan, Tembi Weaver; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.