Quick thinking and sharp-minded. Proud Army Veteran. Pioneering farmer and generous entrepreneur. Avid traveler. Immaculate dresser. Caring son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Retired GM employee. Community leader. He was all those things and much, much more during his long, active and productive life.
Mr. Cornelius Whitthorne of Flint, MI was born on November 6, 1926 in Mason, TN to the late Tom and Beatrice (Brewer) Whitthorne, one of 11 siblings who professed a faith in God at an early age. He furthered his quest for knowledge through hard work and determination. He offered career opportunities for many. His early business knowledge and real estate expertise was unique especially for that day and time. He sowed seeds of love and kindness to everyone he met because he simply enjoyed life and wanted others to do the same. Whitthorne shared nuggets of wisdom and even in his quiet, reflective moments, he gave valuable insight and lifelong lessons.
His love for his family, friends, and the community was inspiring. He was revered and celebrated as he always attended family reunions, even last year in Virginia Beach. He “talked the talk and walked the walk”. If moments in time could be frozen, the images of him would always contain a smile and a sparkle in his eyes.
Whitthorne passed away peacefully on August 11, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife Hazel Juanita and 2 sons Cornelius S. Whitthorne and Joe Person. Whitthorne is survived by 4 children: Rosheeda I. Whitthorne, Thomas W. Whitthorne, Gregory Blacknall, and Felicia Mack; grandson Cornelius “Cameron” Whitthorne, other grandchildren, several great grandchildren; one sister Dorothy Whitthorne Tucker (Memphis, TN) and a host of nieces and nephews in GA, IL, IN, NY, MO, OH, TN, and TX. He will be immeasurably missed by those he touched in his journey through life.
A local, public memorial will be held to honor his legacy. A public memorial in
Memphis, TN will occur during the Baskerville-Whithorne Family Reunion in July, 2021. Well done, thou good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).
