Mabel Lee Hall Barrett

Some people come into our lives without making an impression and others leave footprints in our hearts. Mabel was one such person who made an incredible impression on the lives of those she touched. Mabel was born January 28, 1951 to the late Willie and Rosie Lee Thornton. A sister Mary Alice (“Bebe”) and brother Willie James Jr. also preceded her in death. With the bright, inquisitive eyes, quick wit and impish smile, Mabel would go on to make her way in the world. Mabel’s childhood, growing up in Georgia, cemented the foundation for her wonderful character and personality later in life. She loved hanging with siblings and friends, climbing trees, playing marbles. She was not afraid of anything. Mabel grew up in a large, loving family, but heaven help them if anyone happened to get into trouble. She’d tell – hence the childhood nickname “Stoogie.” She graduated from high school and went off to seek her fortune, landing in Syracuse, then Connecticut, and finally South Florida. Her teachers adored having her in their classrooms because she was so focused and determined to be a success. Even after she graduated and left, she would drop by for a visit whenever she returned home. Mabel got her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven in Connecticut, a great job and met the love of her life – Lloyd Vincent Barrett. As their love blossomed, they enjoyed sharing stories about each other’s lives and culture. The two have been inseparable for four decades, their Southern and Caribbean cultures melding seamlessly into one. Mabel never forgot her strong family roots. She made sure everyone stayed in touch, through cards, telephone calls, regular visits and family reunions. As founder of the Thornton & Brown Family Reunion in 2002, her strong organizational skills were on display. Through her hard work and dedication, the reunion still is going strong to this day. This past summer, Mabel packed mangoes and papayas from her yard to take to Chicago. During that reunion, she received the Founder’s Award. Mabel had aches, pains and ailments, but they were not for public conversation. Instead of talking about herself, she would ask about others. Even when she knew she should be walking with the assistance of a cane, she would not. She loved a party, but there’s one thing this stylish, classy lady would never participate in, and that was a pity party! Mabel always organized wonderful gatherings at hers and Lloyd’s home. Even though she was not in the best of health, she already had already begun discussing Thanksgiving, an annual event that friends and family looked forward to each year. Mabel’s home would be bubbling with the wonderful smells of Caribbean and Southern cuisine – we’re talking curried chicken and collard greens. Mabel never let anything deter her from her focus on family and friends. She had many challenges in her lifetime, but she faced them head on and head strong! She loved her husband, family and friends dearly and had a smile for everyone. She was a true Christian, having accepted Christ at an early age and she lived an exemplary life. When her health began to fail, she realized the battle was not hers, but the Lord’s. She kept everything to herself, but shared with God. She began putting everything in order, knowing that family and friends would be there for Lloyd. God saw that his beautiful orchid began to wilt and said, “thy good and faithful servant, you’ve done your best. Now it’s time for you to rest.” Mabel leaves to cherish her loving and living legacy to her wonderful, caring and devoted husband, her mother-in-law Myrtle Thompson, six sisters: Mattie Hankerson, Seffner, FL; Mary (Michael) Walton, Columbus, GA; Lillie Harris, Syracuse, NY; Bernice Thornton, Brooklyn, GA; Yvette Thornton-Grant, Chicago, IL; Gail Beauford, Columbus, GA; and two brothers: Eddie James (Bonnie) Thornton, Syracuse, NY and Eric Thornton, Chicago, IL. Other members of Mabel’s loving, extended family include: Aunts: Bernice Brooks, Columbus, GA; Willie Lee Chester, Brooklyn, GA; Sadie Easterling, Chicago, IL.

Great aunts: Sarah Harris, Louvale, GA; Mary Harris, Orlando, FL. Great uncles: Abbie (Willie Mae) Harris, Orlando, FL; Rubin Harris, Palmetto, FL; Jessie Lee Harris, Los Angeles, CA. Special nephew and niece: Melvin and Shirl “detective Gadget” Thornton, Columbus, GA. Special cousin: Ida Williams-Hassell (“Honey”), Plainfield, IL. Special friends include: Catherine and Isaac (“Tito”) Thomas, sister-friend and orchid partner from Montego Bay, Jamaica, who talked to her nearly every day. Marlene (“June”) Royes of Plantation, FL, who remained constantly by Mabel’s side toward the end. Gloria Snowden, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, best friends with Mabel for many years. And a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Our Mabel had a beautiful life. We loved her dearly but God loved her more.