Carter Funeral Home humbly and honorably announces the peaceful transition of Mrs. Willie Grace Thornton Tolbert, (88) of the Aberfoil Community.

The Commemoration of Life will begin with a public visitation, Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Carter Funeral Home.

The Farewell Celebration will be held Friday, June 17, 2022, at 2:00 pm from the sanctuary of the House of Light Church International, Union Springs, AL. Pastor Andrew Walker of the Walton Chapel Methodist Church will deliver the message of triumph and comfort. Service will be live-streamed (see clickable link below)

Interment will follow in the Walton Chapel Methodist Cemetery.

In accordance with recommended COVID-19 Protocols, all attendees are requested to utilize appropriate facial coverings, maintain social distancing, and minimize physical contact.

Born February 1, 1934, Willie entered life to Mose and Mattie Thornton. Willie accepted Christ at an early age and joined Walton Chapel Methodist Church in the Aberfoil community where she faithfully used her God-given anointing to minister in songs. She also served in the capacity of Church Secretary and Choir Leader.

She obtained her Cosmetology license from Chauncy Sparks Trade School in Eufaula Alabama and as an entrepreneur, she opened her own beauty shop.

Willie also worked at the Welch Manufacturing Company for over twenty years, was a bus driver for the Bullock County School System and a Home Health Care Aide. She also sold shoes for Mason Shoe Company; and was a Tupperware Distributor. Willie was also a member of the Order of Eastern Stars.

On June 8, 2022, she transitioned peacefully with some of her children by her side from this life and entered eternity to forever be with the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Tolbert, Sr.; her parents, Mose and Mattie Thornton; sister, Ollie Bell McCray; son, Willie E (Georgie) Thornton; daughter, Dianne (Robert) Franklin; and daughters-in-law: Lora Thornton and Teresa Thornton.

Willie leaves seven children to cherish her memories: Willie J. (Helen) Goodwin of Columbus, GA; Curtis Thornton of Tuskegee, AL; Lysander Thornton of Montgomery, AL; Ruby (Kennon) Tuck of Montgomery, AL; Abbie Thornton of Charlotte, NC; Alice (Henry) Williams of Montgomery, AL; and Loris Thornton of Montgomery, AL; four sisters: Hattie (Earl) Westmoreland of Montgomery, AL; Eva (William) Givens of Union Springs, AL; Bonnie Maddox of Jamaica, NY and Mildred Bronson of Union Springs, AL; 23 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

The Staff of Carter Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with The Final Life Celebration Arrangements for the late Mrs. Willie Grace Thornton Tolbert.