Ms. Pamela Denise Thornton was born on September 9, 1962, in El Paso, Texas to the late Deacon Melvin C. Thornton and Doris Fitch Thornton. She was the first-born child from that union.

Being the daughter of military parents, Pam attended various schools in the United States and Germany. After her parents settled in Augusta, GA. she attended Glenn Hills High School and graduated in 1980. She received her post-secondary school education from Hampton University in Hampton, VA., where she received a BS in Mass Media Communications in 1984. During her tenure at Hampton, she also proudly became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Pam later attended Augusta College where she received a Master of Education as well as an Educational Specialist Degree.

Ms. Thornton, as she was known by her students, became an educator and taught grades 4-12 at various schools in Richmond County School System including Glenn Hills Elementary, Southside Elementary, Langford Middle School, T.W. Josey High School and Cross Creek High School. Ms. Thornton truly loved her students and wanted them to succeed both in the classroom and in life. She valued the opportunity to positively impact young minds and to help prepare them for their future. Ms. Thornton retired after thirty plus years plus of service.

Pam accepted Christ at an early age. She remained a faithful servant of the Lord over the years. She was a member of Elim Baptist Church, where she served in various ministries and capacities including the Youth Choir, R.L. Boyd Chorus, Mass Choir, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Sunday Morning Announcement Reader and Trustee. Pam was always willing to work in the church in any capacity for the cause of Christ.

Everyone who met Pam was greeted with a beautiful, kind, gentle, and sweet spirit. She shared a warm smile that could brighten your day. She was one who genuinely cared about others and wanted them to be their best. She poured her love into her family including her fur babies, her church and her students. Pam has touched and blessed so many lives over the years and will truly be missed.

Pam was called home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2024. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories; mother, Doris Thornton; brother, Bryant D. Thornton; sister, Belinda (James) Tankersley; beloved nieces, Taylor Tankersley, Madison Tankersley and Lauryn Tankersley; aunts, Mildred (Robert) Byrd, Gail (Billy) Johnson; uncle, Marvin (Jean) Fitch; her fur baby, Lilly Bell; a host of cousins, friends, and adopted children (her students).

Funeral service will be 11:00 am, Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Elim Baptist Church, 2359 Mt. Auburn Street. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home, 3618 Peach Orchard. (706) 790-8858