Obituary of Calvin Du'vor Thurston

Calvin Du`vor Thurston, son of the late Mercer Lee Thurston and Hattie Daisey Davis, was born on August 10, 1928 in Louisa County, Virginia. He was the last of eleven children as follows: (all have preceded him in death), Willie Haywood, Daisy Viola, Helen Mae, Mercer Lee, Jr., John Elmo, David Alexander, Annie Alberta, Richard, Moses Velmore, and Walter Milton. Calvin was educated in the public schools of Louisa County. He accepted Christ as his Savior, and was a member at New Site Baptist Church in Louisa County. At an early age, Calvin left Louisa and moved to Washington, DC where he worked at various jobs. In 1943, Calvin joined the U.S Navy and traveled to the naval training center in Bainbridge, Maryland for strategic training. Upon completion of training, Calvin was assigned to the USS Constellation and his duties were, as he has stated, "Whatever I was told to do." Calvin was very meticulous, thus any job he completed, was done with pride, precision, and honor. On August 8, 1949, Calvin was honorably discharged from the US Navy and returned to civilian life. For his service in World War II, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. Calvin relocated to Philadelphia, PA and attended the Institute of Applied Science studying Criminology and Law. Calvin joined the Army and served in the Korean War, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal of Valor for his heroic acts. After serving his country, he relocated to New York and worked as a chauffeur. While returning home to Louisa County for church revival, Calvin met Lorraine Mary Sims. They were joined in holy matrimony on August 29, 1953, from their union, five children were born: Patricia Diane (deceased), Joyce Ann (deceased), Calvin, Jr. (deceased), Michael Anthony, and Kim Lorraine. Calvin and his family resided in Washington, DC, Maryland, and finally they settled in Newark, New Jersey. Calvin lived in the same residence for over 42 years. Over the years, he worked in various positions, and then at a carpet manufacturing company. While working at this factory, Calvin was injured, and became totally disabled in 1972. In 2003, Calvin moved to Cumberland, Virginia and resided with his daughter Kim and her family. After about a year of country living, he returned to Newark, New Jersey. Fed up with city life, Calvin moved back to Cumberland in 2009, and this has been his home ever since. Calvin was affectionately called, "Dedda" by his children, close family, and friends. Calvin's hobby was playing his electric guitar. His passion was playing and listening to the Blues and Gospel music. Calvin was an honest and straightforward man and very knowledgeable in many areas. During his later and recent years, Calvin was extremely generous and kind hearted. He was known to many in Cumberland as the man who drove the green, blue, or red Lincoln, and respectfully called, "Mr. Thurston." He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Lorraine Mary Sims; daughters, Patricia and Joyce; and his oldest son, Calvin, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memories: two loving and devoted children - son, Michael Anthony (Gabrielle), and daughter, Kim Thurston-Foster (Curtis); one grandson, Robert Antoine Brutten preceded him in death; eleven grandchildren, Kimberly Thurston, Kiyata Francois, Michael Coleman, Shima Terna, Tanya Walker, Quadir Bailey, Shauntay Watkins, Sheah and Sharisse Thurston, Lorraine and Calvin Foster; seventeen great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter, Zion Mincey. Calvin also leaves one brother-in-law, Howard Sims, Jr. (Dorothy); five sister-in-laws, Shirley Webb (Clarence), Caroline Johnson (John), Lillian Smith (Marvin), Edna and Evelyn Sims; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.