Dr. Evelyn E. Thornton

July 15, 2014

DR. EVELYN E. THORNTON Esteemed educator, Dr. Evelyn E. Thornton was the first African American to complete her PhD in Mathematics at the University of Houston. During a lifetime of teaching and community service she was instrumental in improving the quality of math education across the nation. A Prairie View A&M University math professor for more than half a century, she headed the Mathematics Department there for 13 years and was Coordinator of Graduate Studies and Director of the Undergraduate Research Institute for talented students. Dr. Thornton served as Director of the Network Center for Mathematics Learning and Research Development. She also served as the Director of Project TIMES: Teachers Improving Mathematics Education for Students and the NASA Sharp Plus Apprenticeship Program. She served as Principal Investigator on numerous research projects for McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Corporation and the National Science Foundation. She was a Golden Soror and Lifetime Member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Past President of the Missouri City chapter of The Links, Inc. Over the years she coordinated numerous programs and events which focused on improving the health and education of young people. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum honored her in a special exhibition titled “Women Shaping Texas in the 20th Century” for raising the profile of women in Mathematics nationally. She was the recipient of the very first Women on the Move Lifetime Achievement Award by The Texas Executive Women. The University of Houston Black Alumni Association honored her as a Distinguished Honoree. She was the recipient of the IMPACT Award, the Prairie View Long and Outstanding Service Award and the Etta Falconer Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching, among others. Dr. Thornton is survived by her husband, Tull Thornton, her daughter, Dr. Wanda Mott Russell (William); grandsons Manning Mott III (Shayla) and Malik Mott (Debra), sisters, Fannie Faye Lango of San Antonio and Gloria King of Dallas. Her daughter, Attorney Yvonne Thornton predeceased her. Evelyn Thornton will also be deeply missed and forever remembered by a host of extended family members, friends, colleagues, students and families whose lives she touched. Final Services for Dr. Evelyn E. Thornton are scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2014 Windsor Village United Methodist Church at the Kingdom Builders' Center 6011 West Orem Drive, Houston, Texas 77085 9:00 AKA and Links Tribute Ceremonies (participants arrive by 8:45) 10:00 Visitation 11:00 Worship Service In Lieu of Flowers the Family has requested that donations please be made to: The Evelyn E. Thornton Legacy Endowment Office of Development Prairie View A & M University PO Box 519/MS 1200 Prairie View, Texas 77446