Rosemary Thornton

Ms. Rosemary Thornton was born in Albany, GA on May 19, 1951. She is the daughter of Mr. Sam Thornton and Mrs. Frankie Mae Baker Thornton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Grady Frank Evans and Samuel Jesse Thornton, and sister, Patricia Dent- Oliver. Rosemary is survived by her only child, Kesha Thornton-Runner (Donald), three grandchildren, Kelis, Rene’, and Adonis and loving partner of more than 30 years, James “Calhoun” Wilborn. God, in His infinite wisdom called Rose home on October 4, 2025. She attended Madison Elementary School, Carver Jr. High, and Monroe High School in Albany. She and her family moved to Atlanta in the late 60’s. There she attended Atlanta Area Tech and later attended Dekalb Community College. Upon becoming a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, she worked for The State of Georgia Department of Medical Assistance, Visiting Nurse Association, and the Cerebral Palsy Center of Atlanta where she worked with kids with physical disabilities. She loved helping people and would often volunteer with Non-Profit organizations. Rosemary joined Third Kiokee Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of Rev. R. B. Smith, where she sang in the choir and taught a children’s Sunday School class. She remained a member until moving to Atlanta. She attended various churches and later joined Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, Rev. Willie Tarver, Pastor. Later moving to Orlando, she joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville, Fl, Rev. Willie C. Barnes, Pastor. After moving back to Atlanta, she regularly attended Welcome Friend Baptist Church in Ellenwood, Rev. Dr. John H. Smith. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who lovingly called her “Granny” and close friends of many years affectionately called ‘The Golden Girls” Annette, Estella, Miriam, Elaine, Geri and Madonna. When “the girls” got together, they always had big fun. Rosemary is also survived by nieces, Michelle, Sandra, Cherethia, Jakara, and Sara. Great Niece, Kaneiya, Great nephews, Michael, TJ, Linton, Darnell, Jr. and DaJuan as well as a host of cousins, aunts, and other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Rosemary Thornton

May 19, 1951 - October 4, 2025