June 11, 2011

SUFFOLK — Mr. Sylvester Thomas Thorpe Jr. (Poncho Belo) departed this life on Saturday, June 11, 2011, at his home in Suffolk, Va. He was born to the late Ada Sue Thorpe and Sylvester Hickman. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Thorpe, and sister, Mabel Jones.

He was a former member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

He was a 1956 graduate at East Suffolk High School and served in the U.S. Army. He retired from Planters Peanuts after 40 faithful years of service. He was a member and former treasurer of the SRB Club for 33 years.

Sylvester T. Thorpe leaves to cherish his memory a faithful and loving wife of 45 years, Vertley Giles Thorpe; 12 children, Robert Sylvester Thorpe Sr. (Lawanda), Pastor Brenda Thorpe Parrish (Steve), Sylvia Marie Thorne (Wayne), Ada Louise Thorpe, Vertlene Thorpe Bethly (Brian), Regina G. Stephens (Ken), Merdith M. Butts (Michael), Lynette Ascencio (Steve), Deborah Boone, Carolyn Powell, Johnny Griffin, Cathy Bivens (Carlton); a devoted brother, Elder Ernest Thorpe (Audrey); aunt, Williemae Campbell; 27 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; special longtime friend, Leon Finley Sr.; and devoted neighbors, Wayne R. Baker and Mrs. Emma Flythe; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Thorpe will be on view at the funeral home on Thursday, June 16, from noon to 7 p.m. The family will receive guests at 530 Chisholm Lane at all other times. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 17, at 1 p.m. at Faith Temple Ministries, 476 Wellons St. He will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy, cards of condolence and flowers may be extended to the family at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com.