Frances Hampton Thornton Obituary in Sylvester at Shipps Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Frances Hampton Thornton

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.

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Sweet Moments was sent for Frances Hampton Thornton - August 17, 2023

Send flowers for Frances Hampton Thornton

Eric R. Scott sent Your Light Shines for Frances Hampton Thornton - August 15, 2023

Logan & Thornton Families: Our condolences to you all on the loss of your beloved Frances. May God give you all strength, grace, & comfort during this trying time. Love from the Scott & GTRI Families

Danny Drew sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Frances Hampton Thornton - August 15, 2023

To the family left behind. God makes no mistakes. Just keep on living and enjoying each other. To God Be The Glory and Honor!

Chelsea R Drew sent Sweet Moments for Frances Hampton Thornton - August 15, 2023

Our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. God bless you. The Drew Family

Vivian Logan sent Red and White Floor Basket for Frances Hampton Thornton - August 15, 2023

Deepest Sympathy Love, Vivian Logan

My thoughts are with the bereaved family at this difficult time. May God give the family the strength to endure such a loss. With Deepest Sympathy, Deborah Bennett Martin, Decatur, GA

My condolences to your family, praying God give you all strength during this difficult time. Virgie Office and family.

My condolences to the family, praying God give you all the strength during this difficult times! Virgie Office and family.

With deepest sympathy, sending love and condolences to my cousins. My aunt Francis will truly be missed. from Gayle Green and family

Sending love and condolences to my sister and family...from Martha Sexton Rahway, New Jersey

My deepest sympathies to the entire family of this lovely lady. May your memories of the times you spent together bring a smile to your faces as you grieve her leaving this earth. She was my cousin and I know she had that Hampton resilience, tenacity, strength and devotion to her family. She will be truly missed. . . .... . . Annette Hampton (David Hampton's daughter)

I am so sorry for your loss Of your Mother 🙏🙏 Praying For You All.The Mayos And Richey's Family.God Bless You Cindy Eddie And The Family..

I will truly miss Mama Frances. I am so glad that I got to meet her and spend time with her when she visited New Jersey. She will forever be in my thoughts. I pray for comfort and peace for her entire family. God bless you all. With deepest sympathies Chelsea Drew and family

Condolences to my cousins and all the family in the going home of your dearest beloved Mother, my Aunt. I pray God's Grace will comfort, uphold and give peace to all as you remember the life of your love one, Always forever Love. In Christ Jesus, we will see our loved one again. V/R Cousin Gregory W. Hampton