On February 2, 2013, God came to take one of his children home, Melvin “Joe” Thornton. Melvin was born to Gertrude and Joseph Thornton. He is preceded in death by his mother, father and first wife, Miriam. Together he and Miriam had two sons, Melvin Jr. and Damien. Later in his life he met his second wife, Ann and introduced himself as “Joe.” They married in 2004 and had one son named Phillip. He leaves to mourn his wife, Ann; three sons, Melvin Jr. and wife Kimberly, Damien and wife Amber and Phillip; four sisters, Beatrice, Aurbran, Diane and husband Johnny and Sharon; and a host of loving grandchildren, nieces and nephews.The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to everyone for their prayers and support. And a special thanks to New Dawn Ministries Outreach Center.