Desmonia Lewis Thornton

Desmonia Lewis Thornton, affectionately known as “Dezi,” daughter of the late Kenneth and Neida C. (Harris) Lewis, was born Saturday, May 8, 1954, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Dezi peacefully departed this life on Thursday, September 10, 2020, at the Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan, from complications of diabetes. Despite her condition, she remained optimistic about life and brought joy to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. At two years old, Dezi was diagnosed with Hemihypertrophy which is a rare disorder. She was admitted into the Elizabethtown Hospital for Crippled Children in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, where she remained a patient throughout her childhood for corrective treatment. What may have been perceived as a roadblock that would stop others completely is a true testament of Dezi’s strength and determination to overcome and flourish. Dezi graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1972. Throughout high-school she had an affinity for numbers and excelled in science and math. Dezi followed her passion and studied physics at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). Her fascination and drive to be progressive in Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), led her to the opportunity of employment as a biochemist with the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, from where she retired. Dezi was a member of the Ford Motor Company Emissions Testing Team that attracted scientist, doctors, and engineers from around the world. In the testing lab, they were in search of cost-effective metals to replace platinum that resided inside the catalytic converter which aided in the elimination of carbon monoxide and reduced toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from the engine. At that time, platinum was a rare metal that was not conducive for mass production of vehicles. In 1982, she married the love-of-her-life, Thomas G. Thornton, an electrical engineer at General Motors, yet retired as a senior electrical engineer at Chrysler. They spent over 38 years together until her untimely departure. Dezi delighted in the joys of family and friends. With every encounter, she brought laughter and always encouraged everyone to “live their best lives.” She was a dedicated wife, stepmother, step-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. In her journey of life, she leaves behind so many great memories. She has inspired and touched countless lives along the way through her love, strength, character, and free spirit. Dezi leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband, Thomas G. Thornton; stepdaughter, Iaisha Thornton; two step-grandchildren, Brooklyn Smith and Jalen White; four siblings, Melva McArthur (Sim), Keith Lewis (Renee), Ilka Davenport (Dennis Novinger), and Andrea Wade; as well as the Graves Family (her family away from home), Adeana and Arianna Graves (whom she loved as if they were her children), her KATG friends, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her infamous doll collection. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciate for all the prayers and support during this difficult time. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY YOUR NAME ALLOWING THE FAMILY TO KNOW YOU ARE THINKING OF THEM. ON-LINE STREAMING OF SERVICE. CLICK ON THE PHOTOS & VIDEOS TAB OR MEDIA TAB (MOBILE) AND TRIBUTE WEBCAST TO VIEW.

Tributes

Desmonia Lewis Thornton

May 8, 1954 - September 10, 2020