On December 17, 1958, the late Mary Etta Thornton and Nathaniel Thornton Jr. welcomed their beautiful, beloved baby girl, Mary Ann Thornton-Perez.
Friday, March 10, 2023, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital our beloved Mary Ann transitioned into eternal rest with her loved ones by her side. Mary accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and became a woman of great faith and virtue, using and believing in the power of prayer in every aspect of her life. She was a partner at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, where she attended and enjoyed services faithfully. Mary attended Norfolk Public Schools and also worked at Stuart sandwiches in her early days. She was a devoted mother raising five boys. Our beauty queen, was known for her favorite leopard print pattern, loved to change her hair color, and have a good time, these are just a few of her most memorable attributes. She had two special dishes she to make for her family spaghetti and banana pudding.
No matter the day, time or moment; you could bask in her shimming her shoulders, snapping her fingers, dancing and singing, giving us all something to smile about. Mary Ann exuded beauty not only in appearance, but from the inside as well. She graced every room she was in with her laugh, class and spirit. She was kindhearted, selfless, and a blessing to those around her. One of her greatest passions was the love she had for her family and friends. She accepted many people into her home and treated them like family. Some of her many sayings were “Let Go and Let God”, “later not good-bye” and had to end every conversation with “love you.”
Full of life, full of faith, love, laughter and beauty; Mary Ann was truly one of a kind and can never be replaced.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Etta and Nathaniel Thornton Jr., and both of her maternal and paternal grandparents; husband, Benito Perez; two nephews, Wiley and Anthony Thornton. Mary Ann’s life is treasured and mourned by her five sons, Alan Thornton (Tera), Benito Thornton, Travis Perez, Atanacio Perez, and Jeffrey Monroe Jr.; grandchildren, Zaghaun Thornton, Jakyra Thornton, Dakari Thornton, Jedyn Thornton, Jaquan Thornton, Javari Thornton, Rashawn Thornton, Jailyn Powell, Iyonna Perez, Atanacio Perez Jr, Malaysia Perez, Travis Perez Jr., Darrien Exhem and Stormi Monroe. Great grandchildren, Neveah Thornton, Messiah Thornton, Mason Thornton. Five sisters, Denise Thornton, Yvette Thornton, Felicia Harris (Melvin), Yvonne Swift (Robert), Carolyn Thornton-Dallas (Abraham). Two brothers, Nathaniel Thornton, III (Elizabeth) and Ryan Thornton; host of nieces and nephews.
Jeffrey Monroe Sr. was a great father figure and role model in her son’s life. Best friend Bernadette Lassiter. Special friend knowledge.
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