Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA

Obituary For Artis Thornton

The funeral services for the late Mr. Artis Thornton of 269 Taylor Street, Ashburn, Georgia, who departed this life on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at his residence will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. from the New Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Ashburn, Georgia with the Pastor, Reverend Dr. Marvin Brown, officiating. Burial will follow in the Westview Memorial Cemetery in Ashburn, Georgia.

“To everything there is a season and a time To every purpose under the heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

At this predestined moment in time, we have gathered to celebrate the life of Mr. Artis “Dot” Thornton, a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend and associate.

A Time to be Born---- On December 24, 1940, Mr. Ed and Mrs. Mozell Williams-Thornton of Ashburn, Georgia, welcomed the birth of their handsome bouncing baby boy who they proudly named Artis Thornton. He was born the fifth child of six children and his family affectionately called him “Dot”.

A Time to Plant---- Artis was nurtured in a loving Christian home and being the product of praying parents. He was taught about the love of God and the Golden Rule at a very young age. Dot received his education in the Turner County Public School System in the City of Ashburn. Attending church services on Sundays was the family normal way of life. He, along with his family, attended First Holiness Church in Ashburn. At an early age, Artis accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and received the right hand of Fellowship. Shortly thereafter, he became the church drummer.

A Time to Love---- It was while visiting his friend Buster that Dot and Lula engaged in conversation and before long they were a couple. Being led by the dictation of their hearts, they were united in Holy Matrimony in 1971. Their union was not blessed with children; however with Dot being the father of three children, Wanda, Angela, and Ida, Lula became their stepmother.

A Time to Serve---- Being rooted and grounded in the Word of God from his formative years, Dot activated the principle of the Church Covenant and became a member of New Providence Missionary Baptist Church under Christian Experience on May 25, 2008, under the Pastorate of Reverend Dr. Marvin Brown. Dot was employed by Coley Farm Services from 1966 to 1999 and the City of Ashburn from 1999 to 2000.

A Time to Die---- On Saturday, November 16, 2019, at approximately 1:08 a.m., God, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit to transition Dot from earth to glory. Dot’s humble, yet brave spirit, took flight and is presently resting on God’s celestial shore. So we, his loved ones, friends and associates, have gathered here today, to pay our last respect to his earthly body. We say “Good night Dot. Rest on, for we will see you in the morning.” Dot was preceded in death by his father, mother, and five siblings.

A Time to Cherish---- We are all here today because Mr. Artis (Dot) Thornton has touched our lives in one manner or another. These precious memories of his life are stored in the archives of our minds, which we can keep in our hearts. Yes, we cry for the loss we feel because he made our lives much richer and fuller, and truly we never wanted that to end. But guess what, family? Dot leaves behind beloved friends, cherished associates, and yes even us. And I am persuaded without a shadow of doubt that Dot’s desire for us is to love and pray for each other. We can take comfort in knowing that while he is absent from the body, Dot is present with the Lord. Even in the midst of our grief and pain, we know that everything is alright because God is sovereign, and He had preordained all of this to be. Romans 8:28 confirms that “all things work together for good of them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Let us be grateful to almighty God for the time He allowed Dot to be with us and for the things He has done in and through him. Let us praise God and magnify His Holy Name! Those left to cherish precious memories and continue his legacies are a loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Lula Thornton; daughters, Mrs. Wanda (St.) Martin of Ashburn, Georgia, Mrs. Angela (Larry) Wilkes of Cordele, Georgia, Mrs. Ida Carridine of Ashburn, Georgia; a special niece who was raised like a sister, Ms. Bernice Clarke; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Guest Book

In the spring of 31 C.E., Jesus Christ boldly promised: "Just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to. Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his [Jesus'] voice and come out.

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My condolences to the family! I was a neighbor to Dot until 1989 when l moved to Atlanta. Praying for you Lula and the family. May GOD give you strength during this time.

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Uncle Dot was a great man with a kind and gentle soul. I thank God that he was in my life and that he chose to walk with the Lord. God bless you, Aunt Lula.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Shipps Funeral Home, Inc.