Wendell Jerome Thorne

Wendell Jerome Thorne was born March 6, 1965 in Washington, DC. and entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 17, 2018. He was the eldest of four children born to devout parents, Elijah Wendell and Marilyn Wilder Thorne. Jerome attended Henson Valley Montessori School, Mt. Calvary Catholic School, St. Phillips the Apostle School, and Prince George’s County Public Schools, graduating from Crossland High School in1983. He also attended Hampton University in Hampton, VA. Jerome played football at Crossland High School for four years at the offensive and defensive tackle positions. At the end or his senior year, he earned team all county first team honors. He played football for Hampton University as the starting offensive tackle for three years and was awarded the golden helmet award for most valuable player in a game against St. Paul’s college. After leaving Hampton University, Jerome played semi-pro football for two years. Jerome was introduced to the Solid Waste Industry at the early age of three, when he started “working” with his pop, Elijah Thorne, founder of Grayhound Trash Removal, Inc. At age 12, Jerome, without any instruction or permission, started driving trash trucks on his father’s farm. His father asked where did you learn to drive the truck, his response was, “I have been watching you do it for years.” Prior to getting his Commercial Driver’s License, Jerome had already developed a huge array of knowledge: • Performing routine trash truck maintenance • Ordering parts • Diagnosing problems with the trucks • Assisting mechanics with the repairs and • Serving as “watchdog” over the maintenance of the trucks. Jerome continued to work for Grayhound as a consultant until his death. Jerome became an entrepreneur in 2012 in the Solid Waste and General Construction areas. He was also certified as a minority enterprise business in the District of Columbia and recently owned and operated his business, ASAP LLC, as a solid waste enterprise. Jerome was a member of the Hampton University Alumni Association, the Masonic Temple Lodge 17, the Shriners, the Sons of Black Caesar Motorcycle Club and a former member of the Down n Dirty Motorcycle Club. During heathier periods in his life, Jerome was very active as a volunteer at the DC Central Kitchen where he engaged in cooking which was one of his passions. Jerome had a very generous side to him, always providing clothing and winter coats to the homeless and needy. Jerome leaves to celebrate his homegoing: His parents, Elijah Wendell and Marilyn Wilder Thorne. Siblings: Reverend Adriene Thorne (Colin St. Rose), Brooklyn, NY; Eva Cristina Thorne, Clinton, MD; Nicole Thorne Jenkins, Ph.D. (Toby), Lexington, KY. Nephews: Dorrian Elijah S. Thorne; Toby Elijah Jenkins. Nieces: Zoe Danielle Jenkins and Petal Grace Calloway St. Rose, and four generations of uncles, aunts and cousins. He also leaves to mourn friends and associates, his extended family, Daisy Capers and her sons William, James and Michael; Sharonda Jones (Marilyn and Elijah’s Thorne’s goddaughter), who Marilyn readily admits that she is like a fourth daughter. Jerome and Sharonda shared a great love for motorcycling. Jerome also maintained a close relationship with many Hamptonians, friends and associates from Crossland High School and numerous others who crossed his path in life.

Tributes

Wendell Jerome Thorne

March 6, 1965 - May 17, 2018