Mr. Cleophus Thornton

Cleophus Thornton, affectionately known as "Thumpin' Thornton", was called home by is loving Savior, to take his eternal rest, on Monday, May 8, 2017. On July 19, 1942, God allowed Mr. Cleophus Thornton to be born into the loving arms of Annie Mae Gilbert and Mr. Willie Mason, in Memphis, Tennessee. Later in life, Cleophus met the love of his life and fell in love with Virgis Marie Hardin. They started dating, in the late 70s and united in holy matrimony on October 13, 2002. Cleophus attended West Division High School. He, also, served in the US Army, for 3 years and was honorably discharged. He was proud of to serve his country and refused to anywhere but the VA Medical Center, in Milwaukee, for his healthcare. He was a man that loved to work. He worked for the City of Milwaukee parks and recreation division, and retired after 30 years of service. He truly loved his job and pointed out "the tots lots", he took part in building throughout the city . He, also, worked part-time for Sun Cleaning, for 10 years. He love to spend time with family, especially his wife, children and grandchildren. He, also, was a "Mama's boy", who truly loved his mother. In his leisure, Cleophus enjoyed fishing, looking at sports, cooking the best chili, and his daily trips to the grocery store and Walmart. Cleophus was a kind and gentle soul, who loved showering his wife and family with gifts. He would go out of his way to help anyone. The children, who grew up in the neighborhood, often dropped by to visit him. He was very comical and had a nickname for most of his siblings. He had the biggest heart, that was full of love for people. He was a very strong man, who smiled through the pain he endured, while here on earth. His wife, Virgis, was right by is side through it all. Cleophus found the Lord, at an late age. His daughter, Trina Brown and his wife, Virgis Thornton witnessed to him for many years, about how much the Lord loved him. Cleophus confessed his belief in King Jesus. Several weeks prior to closing his eyes on this earth, Cleophus confessed, once again, his belief in the Lord and prayed often. Cleophus was one of a kind! He was loved very much and will be truly missed by all. Cleophus will be cherish in the hearts of his: wife, Virgis Thornton; mother, Annie Mae Gilbert; three sons: Vincent Hardin, Tracy Hardin and Gregory (Chakoia) Hardin; three daughters: Trina Brown, Serina Miller and Regina Hardin; two brothers, Ronald McGee and Clarence (Elaine) McGee; two sisters, Gwen (Gary) Reed and Ina Shaw; son-in-law, Anthony Brown; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. The grandchildren of Cleophus will cherish the wonderful memories, in their hearts. Cleophus loved each one of them and they loved him right back, especially his granddaughters: Artisia, Alexis, Khiya and Janney (who went to Glory before him); his grandson, Cleophus Hardin, who was there with his grandfather everyday, ensured that he was cared for and attended his medical appointments. Lil' Cleo was, also, loved by his family and will be greatly missed, as he passed 10 days prior...... "Much love to the both of you, Big Cle and Lil' Cleo!! You both will forever be in our hearts." Cleophus was preceded in death by his: two grandchildren, Janney Hardin and Cleophus Hardin; grandmother, Susie Thornton; aunt, Naomi Thornton; uncle, Doug Thornton; two brothers, Larry McGee and Gordon McGee; three sisters: Joyce McGee, Diane McGee and Jean Jones; father, Willie Mason; step-father, Charles Gilbert; and brother-in-law, George Jones. Cleo gave so much love to everyone, who knew him. He was loved very much and will be truly missed by all!

Mr. Cleophus Thornton

July 19, 1942 - May 8, 2017