Dorothy J (Medley) Thornton

Dorothy Jeanette Medley was born on October 17, 1930, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the beloved daughter of the late William L. and Lillian M. (McCloe) Medley. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, the late Frank E. Thornton. Together, they shared 53 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 2000. On September 10, 2024, Dorothy peacefully transitioned to eternal rest at the Homeland Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Dorothy was educated at G.A.R. High School and later became a proud member of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, dedicating many years to the garment industry. In her later years, she worked with the Wilkes-Barre School District through the "Grandparents Program," assisting teachers and nurturing the next generation.

Her faith journey began at a young age when she became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Throughout her life, she faithfully served as a deaconess and sang in both the children’s and adult choirs. In later years, she worshiped at New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church and First Baptist Church of Wilkes-Barre, pastored by her brother, Rev. John Medley.

In October 2019, Dorothy relocated from Wilkes-Barre to Harrisburg to be close to her family, moving with her devoted daughter and caregiver, E. Gale Curlett. Surrounded by love and care, Dorothy spent her final years cherishing her faith, family, and the opportunity to travel with loved ones whenever she could.

Dorothy’s life was one of unwavering devotion. Alongside her husband Frank, she raised their five daughters with a firm foundation of love and faith, living by the scripture, "Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it."

In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Frank W. Thornton; her siblings, Rachel Medley, Morris L. Medley, Shirley Walker, Charlene Jenkins, William L. Medley Jr., Rebecca Murray, and Estelle McGoy; and in-laws, Deloris Murchison, Elizabeth Medley, Harold Murray, Martha Medley, and Alfonzo Walker Sr.

Dorothy leaves behind a cherished legacy, survived by her loving children: Rev. E. Gale Curlett, Sandra B. Jackson, Marsha Peoples, Lillian M. (Rev. Oliver Sr.) Johnson, and Hattie N. (Raymond, dec’d) Barnes. Her memory is also treasured by her grandchildren: April (Derrick) James, Sheila Johnson, Deborah (Cephus) Taylor, Michelle Bohnke, Austin Peoples Jr., Thalen Peoples, Oliver Johnson Jr., Maurya (Damon) Whitaker, and David Holloway Jr., along with 16 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brothers, Charles (Rayetta) Medley, and Rev. John Medley, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends, all of whom celebrate her life of love, kindness, and service.

A Homegoing Service will be held in celebration of Dorothy’s life on Saturday, September 14th, at 11:00 a.m. at New Covenant Christian Fellowship Church, 780 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, with Pastor Derrick James (Agape Ministries, Harrisburg) officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Hanover Township.

A viewing will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kniffen O'Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, 465 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. Online condolences may be shared at KniffenFuneralHome.com.

Dorothy Jeanette Thornton’s life was one of grace, faith, and love—a life well-lived and well-loved.