White Rock Elementary School sixth grade teacher Bernard "Bernie" Leonard Thornton, Jr., passed away on Monday, June 4 while jogging. His funeral service has been set for Friday, June 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Harvest Church of God with Bishop Ray Evers officiating.

Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Pittsburgh with Michael Ramsey, Roger Thornton, Billy Frazier, Gerald Burnett, Michael Hayes and Eddie Jaynes serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 7 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at West Oaks Funeral Home.

Thornton, the son of Bernard Leonard Thornton, Sr. and Lucy Lea (Murray) Thornton, was born in Greenwood, Miss. on September 13, 1955. He received his Bachelor's Degree from East Texas State University and taught sixth grade at White Rock Elementary School.

He is survived by his mother, three brothers and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials in his memory may be made to Gideon's Association or to Peace Church.

Photo from Star Local News