Portia D. Thornton

Portia Denise Thornton was born to Dora Lee Kelley and Sydney Kelley, on May 20, 1959, in Wilmington, Delaware.

She received her early childhood education in Wilmington, Delaware. Later moving with her family to Dagsboro, Delaware, where she attended Indian River High School.

Portia had several occupations over the years which included working as a contractor for Astra Zeneca as well as housekeeping.

Portia met and married the love of her life, Timothy Thornton, who proceeded her in death.

Portia accepted the Lord as her personal Savior and became a member of the New Hope Baptist Church. There she was a member of the Senior Choir, the Senior Usher Board and became a member of the ICUA of Delaware. She also enjoyed working in the kitchen.

Portia loved spending time with her daughter and son-in-law, as well as her sisters and brothers. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Some of her favorite past times were shopping, watching the Lifetime Channel and cooking…and boy could she cook. Portia was one of the kindest people you would meet; she would give you the shirt off her back.

After her second diagnosis with Cancer, her daughter, Tasha, to live with her. There she remained until her passing.

In addition to husband, Portia is preceded in death by her mother, Dora Lee Kelley, two children, Jerome Kelley and Rasheda Kelley, Nephew, Derrick Kelley and niece, Monique Kelley. Three brothers, June Kelley, Pierre Kelley, and Delphonso Kelley. Her maternal grandparents, Evelyn and General White, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her only living daughter, Natasha Watson and beloved son-in-law, Thomas Watson, II. Sisters, Rachel Kelley of York, PA, and Valerie Kelley of Philadelphia, PA. Her brothers, Keith Kelley of New Port News, VA, and Alphonso Kelley of Wilmington, DE. Her grandchildren, Natiesha Lee (Falyn), Darnell Lee (Asia), Daijah Cameron (Benjamin), Darryl Chambers, Nycier Kelley (Jada), and Thomas Watson, III. Her great-grandchildren, Da’kari Chambers, Ki’Zon Chambers, Paige Lee, and Brielle Cameron, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lovingly submitted,

The Family