Robert Thornton Jr.

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Born September 7, 1955, Robert Thornton Jr, a Chicago native and the fourth child of Mildred Thornton and Robert Lee Thornton Sr., was affectionately known to the world as “Bobby.”

Bobby,was raised on the South Side of Chicago, and attended both DuSable High and South Shore High School before obtaining his GED from Chicago Job Corp where he graduated as a professional welder. In 1972, Bobby met Deborah Lewis and the two were blessed with a son Parrish Lewis. Shortly after, he met his first love Anita Johnson. Despite many challenges, together they raised four beautiful children-Nakia, Romeanna, Robert and Beyonca. Bobby overcame life’s obstacles and turned his life over to Christ shortly before meeting the love of his life Lurlyne. Together Bobby and Lurlyne shared a loving marriage before parting ways in divorce.

As a youngster, while living in the impoverished Robert Taylor Home, Bobby earned money working as a paper boy and a laborer on the local grocery store’s delivery truck. He worked hard to escape that strong presence of gang activity.

Bobby was an extremely hard worker who loved to stay busy. Bobby was a profession welder by trade. Throughout the years he also worked in warehousing, construction, day labor  positions and any work with his hands. He was, extremely detail-oriented, and also known to be a neat person, needing everything kept in order.

To know Bobby was to love him.  He was a charmer with an infectious smile and a matching fashion sense that was always finished off with his signature earring. He was funny, a prankster and a big talker. Although one might have felt a little terrorized by his pranks and sense of humor, it was always in the spirit of fun as Bobby always enjoyed laughing and having a good time, especially with his family.

Bobby was personable, well-known, and well-liked wherever he lived. He enjoyed playing pool, watching soap operas, and always kept everyone updated on the latest neighborhood gossip. He loved to snap his fingers listening to old school music while doing his version of “the boogie” even though he had two left feet.

In 2010, Bobby survived a massive stroke which caused him to be confined to a nursing facility wherein he spent the last 10 years. Despite his ability to speak being hampered after the stroke, he was still able to use a few phrases that we will always remember-“I don’t like this”, “oh Lawd,” and of course, “…I know that’s right!”

On December 25, 2021 after 66 turns around the sun, he gained his heavenly wings. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings – Darryl Thornton, Caroll
Thornton, Dion Thornton, Randall Thornton, Dietra Thornton, Harold Clements and his first daughter – Nakia Johnson.

A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 Greater New Mt. Eagle Baptist 12301 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60628 at 1pm with viewing from 12 noon until 1pm.

Memories of his life will live forever in the hearts of those who love him. Bobby is survived by his four children, Parrish Lewis (Lena), Romeanna Johnson, Robert Thornton III, and Beyonca Johnson (Lacy). His two surviving brothers Donald Thornton (Mary) of Chicago, IL and Lamont Thornton (Shelia) of Antioch, CA. 

Perhaps the strongest testament to Robert’s lasting legacy can be found in the 16 grandchildren-Beyontee, Brittany, Brianna, Bria, Brinisha, Emani, Arion, Destinee, Tremaine, Amari, Ariel, Amir, Parrish Jr, Kyree, Deja, Ashlee and his 10 great grandchildren-Kennedy, Kyndell, Kori, Aiden, Nevaeh, Keymari, Gilbert Jr, Kentauri, Odis and Odyssey.

Robert Thornton truly lived his life to the fullest. Bobby, our loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend will always be in our thoughts and forever be loved and missed.

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