THORNTON MITCHELL

Thornton Steele Mitchell was the youngest son of seven born to the union of the late Hiliary B. and Laura Wilma Mitchell, in Texarkana, Arkansas in 1937. Thornton was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Frankye, parents, five siblings, a grandson, and a great grandson. Thornton accepted Christ at an early age with Canaan Baptist Church, Texarkana, Arkansas. His early schooling was in the Texarkana, Arkansas School District. He graduated from the Washington High School at 16 years of age. He attended Pine Bluff AM&N and graduated with a degree in biology. He was a member of the University's band as a trumpet player and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He met and later married the love of his life, Frankye Norwood. After graduating from Pine Bluff AM&N, Thornton served as an educator for Arkadelphia, Arkansas School District, Booker T. Washington High School and Texarkana, Arkansas Senior High. He has a master's degree from the University of Oklahoma. Thornton was hired by the City of Texarkana, Arkansas with Model Cities and later became the Executive Director of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (C.E.T.A.) Program. After federal cuts, Thornton was hired as a trainer with the Lone Star Ammunition Plant. His charge was to establish and maintain a high level of safety for employees and the country in demilitarization ammunition training. Before retiring to care for his wife of 55 years, Frankye Norwood Mitchell, Thornton also served the Lord as a presiding elder for Southwest Arkansas of the Methodist denomination. Thornton was a member of the Quorum Court and a Justice of the Peace for Miller County. He and his wife, Frankye had three children: Schlundyra (Quentin), Thornton, Jr. (Angela) and Kalebyra. His eldest son is Michael (Kim). Thornton has a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Due to Covid-19, private services will be held. A memorial will be scheduled at a later date. Online registration is available at www.haynesmortuary.com.