Bishop Samuel Lee Thornton Sr. Obituary
The world bids farewell to Bishop Samuel Lee Thornton Sr. (Suffolk, Virginia), departing on April 30, 2026 at the age of 93. Bishop leaves behind memories cherished by the community. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Bishop Samuel Lee Thornton Sr. to show support.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Matthew Hollomon and Victoria Rhodes; his wife Ernestine Thornton; and his sons, Marzelle "Junebug" Phillips (Beatrice) and Archie Phillips.
He is survived by: his children, Venice Alston, Bonita Ricks (Jerry), Samuel Thornton Jr. (Bertha), Katrina Setzer, Barry Phillips (Beulah) and Angela HayesHe; and his siblings, Ollie Galloshaw (late Jimmy), Phyllis Martin (Woodrow) and Walter GeorgeHe.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, May 16th 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Graves Funeral Home Chapel (1631 Church St, Norfolk, VA 23504). A burial was held on Monday, May 18th 2026 at 9:00 AM at the Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery (5310 Milners Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434).