Gladys J. Thornton was born on October 21, 1928 to the late Mrs. Annie Lumpkin Jester and the late Mr. Alfred Jester in Camilla, Georgia.

She accepted CHRIST at an early age.  She was a member of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the usher board.

Gladys attended Rockdale High School in Camilla, Georgia.  She furthered her education by attending Albany State College in Albany, Georgia.

Gladys was married to Willie James Thornton, who preceded her in death.  She was a mother of two sons, Mathis Williams and Willie James Jester; both of whom preceded her in death.

Gladys leaves to cherish her loving memories a devoted friend, Mr. Willie Woodbury of Camilla, Georgia; three sisters, Lucy Williams of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Alfred Lee Dawson, and Earnestine Norwood of Camilla, Georgia; three step-daughters, Gloria (Joseph) Willingham of Camilla, Georgia, Ruby (Jessie) Blount of Blakely, Georgia, Gwendolyn (Lewis) Newton of Washington, D.C.

Gladys was a grandmother to her devoted granddaughter, Jacqueline (Xavier) Jones, Stevie (Sandra) Johnson, Antoine Jester, Tonia Jester, the late Dexter Jester, Kareem Howard, Derrick Howard, Sonja (Jimmy) Ford, Sasha (Elias) Adejumo; and many great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; friends; cousins; as well as a very loyal caregiver, Darletta White.