Lizzie Ruth Evans Thornton, daughter of Samuel David Evans, Sr. and Brazie Lee Evans was born September 12, 1927 in Orlando, Florida. She was the fifth of nine (the middle child) children born to this union. Lizzie was an active member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. She joined the church and was baptized at the age of seven (7) by then Pastor J. A. Finlayson in Washington Park Lake, now known as “Lake Mann.” She participated in the morning and evening services, Sunday school, BYPU, Minister’s Alliance, YGA, the youth choir and youth usher boards.

Lizzie Ruth’s primary education was obtained at St. Paul’s Church on Carter street (1st and 2nd grades), and Jones High School from grades 3 thru 12.

Lizzie finished her education at Jones High School in 1945 and attended Florida Normal Industrial College in St. Augustine, Florida (now known as Florida Memorial University located in Miami, Florida). She attended from 1945-1947 and obtained an Associates of Arts degree in Liberal Arts. Bill had joined the Navy and asked that Lizzie write him.

Lizzie Ruth was an avid reader until her sight began to fail her. As a child her older sister would take her to the library every couple of weeks. Lizzie would check out the maximum number of books each time. The librarian didn’t believe she read all the books she checked out so, she’d quiz her on what happened and if she could tell her (which she always did), she was allowed to check out more books (the maximum of course).

Little did she know, she would meet the love of her life at age 13 or 14. She describes him as a spoiled, handsome young boy. She was on an errand for her mom when she met Bill and he asked her if he could walk her home? She told him no, that she was not allowed to be accompanied by boys and she would be punished if her mother found out. He told her that her mother didn’t own the streets and he could walk where he wanted. She had a hammer in her possession and promptly hit him in the back of his head with it. It was two years before she saw him again.

In 1947, then Pastor L. J. Jenkins asked Lizzie if she could start a kindergarten at Mt. Pleasant. She opened and ran the kindergarten until June of 1954. Bill had separated from the Navy (honorably) in July of 1946 and began his courtship of Lizzie. They courted for five (5) years before marrying on September 28, 1951.

To the union of William “Bill” Thornton, Jr. and Lizzie Ruth Evans five children were born, William, III, Donald Alfonso, Michael Wayne, Michelle Lorraine and Deloris Yvonne.

With what she calls “divine help” she was able to enroll in segregated Orlando Vocational LPN School. She graduated in June of 1965 and was hired by Orange Memorial Hospital (now known as Orlando Health). She remained there until she retired in October 1980 due to medical reasons.

Even though retired on disability she continued to be a blessing to her children and husband. She offered sage advice when needed and listened when asked. She continued to be active at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Sunday school, the Silver Angels, the general home mission and once as a workshop presenter for the Women’s Ministry Conference with a live demonstration on how to make yeast rolls.

The Lord has blessed Lizzie Ruth with a long and blessed life. Psalms 90:10 tell us, “The days of our years are three-score years and ten and if by reason of strength they be four-score years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow for it is soon cut off and we fly away.” The Almighty has blessed Lizzie Ruth to be with us for four-score years and 13! She is loved and will surely be missed.

On December 29, 2020 Lizzie Ruth transitioned from this earthly life to eternal rest. She awaits the return of Christ. She is preceded in death by her son, Donald Alfonso, her spouse and the love of her life, William “Bill” Thornton, Jr., her sons William “Bill” Thornton, III and Michael Wayne Thornton. She leaves to mourn her passing her two daughters, Michelle Thornton-Taylor (Jacques), Deloris Yvonne Harris (Eric), her sister, Mary Ann Harris, eight (8) grand-children, eighteen (18) great-grand children, one (1) great, great-grand child, many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and sorrowing friends.

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