Bessie Ann Walker Thornton
August 11, 1948 - April 15, 2026
Bessie Ann Walker Thornton, the third child born to her loving parents, the late Deacon Lewis and Evelyn Walker of Toccoa, Georgia, entered this life on August 11, 1948, and returned to her heavenly Father on April 15, 2026.
Raised in the loving embrace of her church at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, she developed her love of music at an early age. She sang in the elementary school choir, played the flute in the 2nd grade, and took piano lessons (which she hated). By the 7th grade, Bessie was playing the xylophone, then the saxophone, and later mastered the flute.
But… playing musical instruments was not what she wanted to do. Singing was where she excelled. Her soprano range was impressive, extensive, and uplifting. Her 10th grade music teacher discovered that she could REALLY sing when Bessie sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” during a classroom talent show. Her dream was to become the next Leontyne Price.
During high school, Bessie entered numerous singing competitions. She usually placed either first or second. As one of the youngest members of in the Whitman Street High School Choir, she was also one of the featured soloists. Following high school, Bessie was awarded a vocal scholarship to Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA. She attended for two years and then attended North Georgia Technical College where she received a degree in Medical Technology.
In 1981, Bessie accepted a position as a Laboratory Analyst with the Medlab Division of Control Data Corporation in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her primary responsibilities included training clients on the operation of Laboratory Information Systems. Her vibrant personality and talent for hospitality helped make her successful in her assignments.
She quickly became active in the Salt Lake community and joined the Calvary Baptist Church. She served the church in multiple capacities. She was an active member of the Inspirational Choir and served as the choir president. She was a soprano and soloist in the singing group Just a Portion. She became a Deaconess and served as co-chair. She also served as the church clerk, and as the financial secretary.
In 1982, she met her best friend and soulmate, Sargent 1st class Kenneth Thornton at Calvary Baptist Church. They were married on August 18, 1983, at Calvary by their Pastor, Rev France A Davis. For over 40 years, Ken and Bessie shared a marriage built on love, trust, laughter, and faith. In this loving home, they raised two children, Nathaniel and Greta.
Bessie’s talents included acting. She appeared in several episodes of Touched by an Angel, a Lifetime Movie entitled “Not in This Town”, and several commercials. She was one of the primary characters in a local production of James Baldwin’s play “The Amen Corner”.
Bessie was a beacon of faith, love, and dedication who created a warm atmosphere of hospitality in her home and in the church. Cooking was her love language. She was a Master Chef who created gourmet meals on a regular basis. Music was her gift… hospitality was her calling. Her deepest love was her family, and she could make her friends feel like family.
In addition to spending time with her family and friends and her church, Bessie has many hobbies including traveling, reading, and cooking.
Bessie leaves a loving family and community to celebrate her life and continue her legacy. Faithful Husband, Kenneth Thornton; son Nathaniel Brown, Jr III (Leila); daughter Greta Simone Brown-Booker; grandchildren Simone Annetinique Brown, Akinwole Nathanial Brown, (Dayonna), Micaiah SyAnn Brown-Thompson (Abe); great granddaughter Evangeline Annetinique Brown; loving sister and best friend Greta Walker Edwards (Hawke) of Atlanta, GA; loving brother, Vincent Hopson Walker (Eileen) of Tallahassee FL; nephews Jamie Bernard Lawrence (Michelle) of Fairburn, GA, John Evans Walker, Jr of Garfield, GA, LaBrone Wilson Walker (Lawrene) of Lithonia, GA; sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Lyle, Reginia Thornton, both of Lula, GA… and a host of additional loving family and friends.
Faith. Love. Laughter… and fabulous food. We are blessed to know and love her… and she loved us back.
A Celebration of Bessie’s Life and Legacy will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.
Friends and family are welcome to join us on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Calvary Baptist Church, 1090 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT at 10:00 AM for a viewing and to share memories. The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM with a luncheon immediately following the service.
Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11:00 AM at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park, 17111 S Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale, UT.
For those of you who are unable to attend Bessie’s funeral please visit the link below.
https://youtube.com/@calvarybaptistslc?si=WRUMYHH6MMDHT86U
In Loving Memory
I am so grateful for the life and impact that Bessie had in our lifes. She lived out her faith here on earth. Our prayers and condolences are with you all.
Mama I know you have been fighting the good fight for a long time. You have been a blessing to so many people including me. Now it's time to rest, because the lord has a new assignment for you to continue blessing others. Love Always Frank
My sincere condolences to the family, Sister Greta Walker and friends of the Beloved Bessie Thornton. She was a beautiful light in the world. She lived a great life with much love and purpose. She endured health challenges yet maimed a meaning lifestyle. She surrendered to God’s will graciously. Forever loved and Cherished. Provetb 3:5 ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ; lean not unto thine own understanding… In all thy ways acknowledge God for He shall direct your path for strength and comfort amen 🙏🏽 God bless you all 🙏🏽🕊️
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family. Bessie and I shared the same birthday month (one day apart). Over the years, we stayed in touch. It was always a blessing to talk to her. She face timed me on April 10th. Tara and I are praying with and for you.💕💕💕God Bless You
My heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time. Although I only found and met my (cousin) Bessie some years ago, the time we shared talking on the phone meant more to me than words can fully express. I am truly grateful that God gave us the chance to connect and build a bond that felt both new and life lone at the same time. Bessie was not only my cousin, but a genuinely beautiful person. She accepted me unconditionally, and that is a gift I will always carry with me. Rest in Heaven cousin! You will be truly missed and never forgotten!
Two days before Bessie passed, she sent me a text and told me that she was in the hospital. She said I’ve accepted God‘s will. Whatever happens it’s all right with me. She encouraged me to continue to love my family and to stay encouraged. My heart is heavy as I pen this message. We were neighbors on Wood Street when we were young. We grew up and went our separate ways, but the love has always been there. About 15 years ago, we rekindled our friendship and we stayed in contact and it was just a blessing to me to correspond with her as often as we did. Condolences to the family and the many friends. Bessie was a true friend. As I read her obituary, I thought about how I was invited to sing in the chorus and stand beside her and Wanda Clemmons women. We were real strong Sopranos in the Whitman St chorus. She had a lovely angelic voice and so many other talents and skills . May the Lord give you comfort, strength, endless love, and whatever you need today and the days to come. I send my love , condolences and blessings. Juanita Johnson Hay Boone, NC formerly of Toccoa, Ga
Aunt Bessie, words cannot express how much you will be missed. Your nephew (Bernard), your great nephews (Jamie III, Jayden and Jackson) and Great niece (Jasey) will miss you as well. Your smile could light up the darkest room. We love you and thank you for loving us all unconditionally. Rest in Heaven … until we meet again Love Always, Michelle
Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to Ken, Greta and the Entire Thornton Family. Bessie made a Difference in So Many Lives. She will be Greatly Missed by Many to Whom She Touched Along the Way. Bessie Fought a Good Fight and Finished Her Course. Remember Earth Has No Sorrow, Heaven Cannot Heal. Bessie's Home Now. Love, Anita and James Your Cousins in North Carolina
Great memories of the times we spent with Ken and Bessie, their cross country trip to visit us here in Maryland, our precious weekend in New York City, fantastic week that we spent in Las Vegas,with another classmate and his wife, and a great trip when we met in Orlando, Florida. All fond memories that will shine in our lives forever. To Ken and Family, reflect on the beauty that Bessie brought to your lives for so many years.
May the Lord continue to bless each and every member of the immediate and extended family with His confort, strength and peace. We have a blessed hope in Christ Jesus that we will see iur sister again when He comes. Love and kisses Abraham and Susan
I will always remember her for her will power to conquer whatever she faced I will remember how we use to walk together from my job even in the gym and how she could dress Miss Fashion Queen and how she loved to cook rather it was at home or at church and her decorating skills not to mention her acting skills . I meant sister Bessie in a play we did with others at Calvary we had a lot of fun and how she taught me communion also how to be the best deaconess I can be. More importantly she was a friend and a big sister I never had . She welcomed me in her family with open arms. Plus she was my beautiful Deaconess Love you sis rip now💜
Bessie, my sister, my guiding light, A soul of strength, of love so bright. Caring, wise, with a heart so true, The world felt softer because of you. God-fearing woman, full of grace, Understanding in every space. Protection, wisdom, all you’d be, A living blessing God gave to me. You welcomed me with open arms, A place of peace, a shield from harm. Right after I walked that graduation stage, You gave me hope, you turned the page. Always there when I needed you, Supporting me in all you’d do. No greater sister could I have known, Your love was pure, so deeply shown. Unconditional in every way, I thank God for you every day. For the time He gave, though not enough, Your love still carries me when life gets tough. Now take your rest, my sweet angel above, Surrounded by peace and eternal love. Tell Mom, Dad, and Pop I love them too, And forever, my sister, I’ll cherish you. With all my heart, I say it true, I love you always. Your brother, Vinton & Mechelle
Sending my deep and sincere condolences to my Utah family. Sister Thornton was the epitome of grace and style. Her kindness and sweet soprano voice will be missed. I’m so grateful that I had her as part of the village that raised me. To Ken, Greta and Nathaniel, I pray for your strength at this difficult time.
Sister. Bessie, I will never forget you. I am glad God allowed me to be part of your life. I am grateful God allowed me to talk with you before God called you to Heaven. I am grateful God allowed me to tell you one more time I loved you. When, I came to Salt Lake City, Utah, you put me under your wings with Brother Ken. I will never forget you and I will never forget what you did for me. You will be always on my heart. I know I will see one day in Heaven. Love you, always Sis. Bessie Cendrina, your African daughter.
This is sad news come so suddenly. My deepest condolences to the family. We have known Bessie for 4 years now. Everytime we see her she very fashionable Even though she is sick but when we see her she is always happy and have a smile. We Miss you and we will pry for you. ❤️
In Loving Memory
