In loving memory of

Samantha Jasmine Thornton
September 3, 1981 - September 3, 2020

Samantha Thornton Jasmine was born on Thursday, September 3, 1981 to the union of William and Carolyn Hunt in Detroit, Michigan.
She was educated in the Detroit, Michigan school system as well as the Brighthall Vocational School; where she obtained her certificate of Completion in the field of Cosmetology. She graduated from Mumford High School receiving several scholarships and grants to colleges.
She was married to D'Mario Thornton in 1998 and from that union was born their only son, D'Mario Jr., also known as, "Blessed Like Dat!" He preceded her in death. Her grandparents also preceded her in death the Hunts and the Ballards.
In September 2001 they relocated to San Diego, California, in which she explored various employments before she returned to her first love, Cosmetology. Sam was considered a prolific trendsetter, experimenting w/ the color of her hair, eyelashes, makeup and clothes she wore. She was the sole proprietor of "Hair Blessed Like Dat!"
"Samantha exuded many traits that drew others to her, her infectious smile, her spirit, which often drew crowds and people desiring to be close to her. Affectionately called Sam, never met a stranger, she enjoyed taking selfies and capturing every moment.
She was our family's Historian, Play Writer and Publisher. One of her many plays were, "There's a Stranger in Town." It was brought to life in ministry by Hosanna Harvest of Detroit Michigan, 1999. In July 2018, Samantha narrated the story about her beloved Sweetpea and how she turned his hospital room into a winter wonderland. She was planning to take him to Detroit that winter so he could play in the snow; due to Sweetpea falling ill, they couldn't go.
Because of her experience with her son's illness she began to care for, love and attend to the parents of children that were battling Cancer by giving those makeovers, pedicures, manicures and preparing home cooked meals. Samantha was anointed in the gift of giving. She participated in Cancer walk-a-thons where she would minister too many.
Due to many life challenges, she also became a fisherman of Souls for the Kingdom of God. She would turn every test in to a testimony and every mess into a message.
Preceding her son's death, she became an Advocate for Black men and women that had emotional, physical and trauma to help them rehabilitate, show them hope in Jesus and change w/his help was attainable.
She went to City College to enter the field of Nursing. While there, she brought many people to Christ. She gained favor from students, professors, faculty members, and even the Presidents of City College.
She was part of Umoja, in which she promptly became a favorite to and many, in which many referred to her as Sugar Mama. Many of them became whom she called, "My Umoja Babies and Mentees."
While at City College, she received a grant and was able to travel to Coast Rica for a summer. Besides English, Sam spoke Arabic and Spanish. She was also known on campus as "Samantha, Never Met a Stranger." She also worked close with Suicide Prevention and was given a Bow in recognition by those who said, "She helped save our lives."
Samantha received many awards and accommodations while at City College. She walked across the stage in Balboa Park and received her Associated Degree in Liberal Arts May 26, 2018 and on May 25, 2019, she received her Certificate of Completion for CNA and Acute Care Nurse Assistant.
She was continuing on to get her Register Nurse Degree. Samantha first job in the field that she came to love was at the Avocado Post-Acute Nursing Home. She loved it and her patients loved her. On February 7, 2019, while at work, she became very ill and she was rushed to Grossmont Hospital, it was then she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver cancer and given a prognosis of probably only three to six months to live.
All that did was bring out the Champ in her. That's what she called herself and so did the people who saw her get in the ring and fight against Cancer. The Champ inspired so many people that someone made her a Green, (her favorite color), Heavy Weight Champion Belt. Her words of victory were, "I Ain't afraid of Cancer! Cancer better be afraid of ME!" This is what also catapulted into a Radio Personality on Godradio1.
She had countless TKO's in the fight against Cancer, until September that afternoon when Our Heavenly Referee declared that she had won the fight and she did not have to fight anymore.
Samantha Jasmine leaves those who will cherish her beloved memory, her husband D'Mario Thornton and stepdaughter D'Maria (Detroit), her loving parents William and Carolyn Hunt, Her Brothers, William Jason Hunt, (Angela), Kevin Johnson, (Lauren), Reginald Sr., Her sisters, Lydia White, Jamie Williams, Tami Gilbert (Reggie), Nobie, God sister, La Toya Curry, her Aunts: Anita (Uncle/Daddy David) Hill, Cynthia Moore(Detroit), and Diamond McCain, (Detroit); Uncles Victor Ballard, (Lansing) and Johnny Ballard, (Detroit), her God family: God Mothers, Cheryl Newton White (Southfield), Dovie Braxton, God sisters, Dion (Tadarin) (Detroit) Alexis Braxton, William Smith Jr. (Jerrica), Her best Friend, Angela (Antonio) Pope, Coretta Gardener, (Detroit), her Nephews, Reginald White Jr, Kevin Hunt, Joc-quin Hunt, Nieces, Renee White, Kayla and Kiyah Hunt; Godsons, a host of cousins. Her Big Mama & Big Daddy, Sherman & Jeanette Usher, Her Care Grandmother, Pastors Deborah Williams, Apostle David and Pastor Renee, Pastor Jerri and Pastor Smith, Youth Pastor Victor, 1840 Ministry, her caregiver, Juan, Lois Shelton affectionately called her Future God Mother of her son, a host of other Pastors, Ministers, family and Friends. Lastly but honorably Dr. Song, whom she jokingly called "Dr. Pharaoh!" because he would not discharge her from the hospital; he just would not let her go. He fought in the ring with her and became a believer in the power of God.

Tributes

Angela Pope wrote on Sep 19, 2020:

"I remember we lost touch once she moved to San Diego. However Sam was not going to lose me. She called around to everyone that could get reach me until finally she called my college professor who linked us back together again. We\'ve been inseparable ever since. That to me is LOVE. Which is what Sam was. Love. I will miss you and love you always. My friend and sister. Love Angela ( Pooh) Pope"

Penny West - West Family wrote on Sep 19, 2020:

"Our deepest condolences to the family and close friends of Samantha! One of the most genuine and sweetest people I have had the honor of knowing. The West family sending many prayers your way."

Mateela Carraway wrote on Sep 18, 2020:

"Thank you Sam for bringing so much to my life. We didn\'t see each other often, but when we did we behaved as only the most loving sisters could. I love you!"

Tiangey B. Coomber wrote on Sep 17, 2020:

"Sam affectious smile and love for God will always be remembered. There was never a moment that went by where she didn\'t take the opportunity to pray for others. She was truly a beacon of light to many of us Mumford Mustangs. She will truly be missed. Love you, Tiangey "

Johnnie, Dovie, Alexis Braxton, Jr\"s wrote on Sep 17, 2020:

"Samantha aka Sam was our shinning STAR, so loving, So Unique. The best God Daughter, she lived her life like it was GOLDEN! A FULL OUT UNICORN!!! SAM WALKED AROUND LIKE A PEACOCK IN FULL PLUMMAGE, SAM LIVED A LIFE OF FULL LOVE, EVEN WHEN OTHERS HURT HER, We had some fun,, midnite chats. Listened to all kinds of music,, driving to the Sunset Cliffs. Dancing in the kitchen when we cooked. Dancing and singing at chemo appts. Shopping online with Sam and Alexis. 3 women we were dangerous. SAM LOVED HER POPPA JOHNNIE They had those quiet talks When you knew to leave them alone. She always said I want a man like you and my Dad. The memories are what we have now, Sam\'s SMILE, LAUGHTER leaves us with the glow and warmth of her LOVE ? SAMANTHA LEFT US PRESSING ON TO THE HIGHER GOAL IN CHRIST JESUS. REST DAUGHTER REST. Till we see you again your Family. Johnnie,Dovie,Alexis Braxton Jr\'s."