Ronald Leon Thurston, aka “Shine” was a soldier to the end and fought a good fight. God called him Home, November 28th, Thanksgiving Day and let him know that his battle was over. Ronald was the second son born to Anthony Eugene and Hilda Towell Thurston. He was raised in Anacostia, SE where he attended the DC Public Schools. As a child Shine attended church where he also learned to love the Lord (that’s the only way you could go the movies on Sundays). Three of his greatest joys and accomplishments was the birth of his daughter Denine, meeting Gerri his wife who he has been with for 42 years and the birth of his granddaughter Nya. With Gerri his family grew with three stepsons, Lyndon, David and Mark. He had three brothers, Anthony (Crip) who was not just a brother but his best friend, Lawrence (Larry) and Derek. Three sisters, Alethia (LeeLee), Cordelia (Peaches) and Gail.
Shine was a product of Barry Farms and Sheridan Terrace, SE. As a little boy he was nicknamed Shine by the older boys in Barry Farms because he had those big shiny eyes. Shine was a loving uncle and showed love and attention to all his nieces and nephews. He also loved his dog Onyx who passed away. Growing up he would bring stray dogs home and our mother would say “Ronnie you know we can’t keep that dog” and after a few days she would make him find the dog a new home.
In his early working career he worked at Izzy’s Bakery on Nichols Avenue and would bring home fresh doughnuts every night. He also worked for National Capital Housing for a time. His job where he retired was working for the City of Cheverly; a job he loved.
Shine loved life and loved to have fun with family and friends. His friends today are the friends he had as a child growing up in Barry Farms and Sheridan Terrace. We have fond memories of his smile and the good times we had with him. During his illness his strength and character was full blown. He tried to make us at ease by always saying “I’m alright” when we knew he was in pain and suffering. When our mother was alive she would say “you know your brother can quote scripture better than a minister.” He would visit her on Sunday morning and they would watch the religious broadcasts. He was a rock and a soldier through his time of trouble, but he knew God and said it was his will. He also said he didn’t wish this on anyone (friend or foe). Our hearts are breaking but we know he is at peace and out of pain and in the Masters hands.
Shine is now rejoicing in Heaven with his parents, Anthony and Hilda, grandparents and other family members who have preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loyal and dedicated wife Geraldine; daughter and light of his life, Denine; Lyndon (Valencia), David (Erica) and Mark (Tranell); grandchildren, Nya, Brandon, Brianna, Makala and Zendaya; brothers, Anthony (Gail), Lawrence (Rose) and Derek; sisters, Alethia (LeeLee), Cordelia (Peaches)(Tony) and Gail. A loving cousin who was like a brother, Eugene (Paula), cousins, Maurice, Michael, Diane and Kenny; ten nephews Earl, Larry, Paul, Timothy, Jamalle, Michael, DeMarco, Anthony and Keenan; six nieces, Cheryl, LaNelle, Geneva, Ganelle, Akeyiah and Geniece; sixteen great nieces and nephews; six great-great nieces and nephew and Rufus and Tyrone who he called his sons.
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