Monroe Thornton

Monroe Thornton was born October 27, 1946 to the late P.F. and Luella Thornton. He was the youngest of three children, George his eldest brother preceded him in death. Because he was born into a family who loved and accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour, he was introduced to the Lord at an early age and was baptized into the faith under the leadership of Reverend H.M. Morton at First Baptist Church Roosevelt. He was a member until death under the leadership of Reverend Bobby L. Palmore, Sr.. He shared his generosity and love with Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church where Reverend Sylvester Miller, III is the Pastor. Monroe attended Roosevelt Elementary School through 7th grade, then he was whisked away to Westfield High School so he could play football for his life long friend, Coach Robert Dickerson. After graduating from Westfield he attended Alabama A&M University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Accounting. While attending Alabama A&M he was inducted into the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He was also a member of the P.S. Howard Lodge No. 516 F&AM of Alabama. Monroe's first professional position was with United Parcel Service (UPS). He also served as Executive Director of the Birmingham Oppurtunities Industrialization Centrt (OIC). Always seeking bigger challenges, Monroe sought employment with Talladega College where he served as Director of Admissions. During his stint at the college, he almost trippled freshmen enrollment, and as he would say..."Talladega College had to build a new dorm for the overflow of students he recruited". He was committed to the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and because of that commitment, many African- American children received a college education. Even though Monroe worked in professional capacities working for others he always exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit from his childhood, always seeking means of earning money and meeting the needs of children and adults in the Roosevelt community. After leaving Talladega, Monroe decided it was time to be his own "boss" so he opened a printing company. It began as Superior Printing and then later became what is widely known as "ABC Custom Graphics." He often told his customers, "We will take the vision of what you want and put it on paper." He designed and printed the first color funeral program in the southeast area. He was also the originator of the first memorial T-Shirts, foam board memorials, wallet size memory cards and his favorite design was the Gold foil stamped, Krom Kote, perforated Book Mark Funeral Program. He emphasized the fact that ABC would always strive to stay at least three steps ahead of the competition. He delighted in doing what other local printers would not even think about. Because of his creativity and printing skills, he shipped materials all over the United States. The birth of his affiliate company "ABC Concessions and Party Rental" derived from his son, DeMario's desire to sell snocones. From a snocone machine, the purchase of a couple of Moon Bouncers, and the dedicated help of his friend, partner and "Soul Brother", Ron Marshall, ABC Concessions and Party Rental is recognized as the largest black owned party rental business in the southeast. Monroe was a selfless man, always encouraging others to start their own business and offering to help them get established. He was a very generous person, often-times the only compensation for funeral programs was a flower from the funeral. While located in Bessemer he partnered with Chambers Funeral Home to give a "free fun day" to the children of the area. He loved his neighbors and community of Roosevelt. To show his appreciation and thanks for their tolerance of the company in their community, he purchased and gave turkeys to the elderly and needy every Thanksgiving. Even though there was no official Chamber of Commerece in Roosevelt City, he was recognized as the business leader to seek out advice regarding business growth and development. Mr. Monroe received many awards and accolades for his accomplishments including one of which he was most pleased, The Black Achievers Award. Thornton didn't have much leisure time, but when he wanted to leave the cares of the world he went to the river to fish. The worth of a man is not determined by what people had to say, but how many are saddened because he went away. Those who will always cherish his memories are: his children, Monroe D. Thornton (Lawanda), Gainsville, Florida, Monica Mincy, Bessemer, Alabama, Chanda Hollingsworth, Virginia, DeMario Thornton, Minnesota, and James Thornton, Birmingham, Alabama; nine grandchildren;sister, Frankie T. Holifield, Brighton, Alabama; niece, Frederica Holifield, Midfield, Alabama; one great nephew; as precious as a son, Vandarius Glover; soul brother, Ron Marshall; devoted friend, Lowell Eubanks; Best Friend Forever, Virginia Johnson; a very special friend and loving companion, Dorrielyn Haaziq; other relatives and friends.