ANTHONY LYNN “TONY” THURSTON

1949-2017

Anthony Lynn Thurston (68), passed away quietly early morning on November 6, 2017, at home in Texas, surrounded by family and friends. Tony was born on May 14, 1949, in Washington, D.C. to the late Newton A. Goode and Audrey I. Cyrus, and raised in the household of the late Clarence F. Thurston, Sr.

Tony was drafted in the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam war and served honorably for over two years. He worked 25 years in law enforcement in Virginia starting with the Page County Sheriff ’s Department, during which time he earned his MBA from Carolina Christian. He was the first and only African American who has served on the Page County Sheriff Department.

Tony & his wife, Regina served as Christian Missionaries in West Africa, Europe and North America for over twenty years. Tony served as a Deacon in the Southern Baptist Church for over 38 years and was a member of Second Baptist ChurchHouston Texas.

In addition to his birthfather and stepfather, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Dr. Robinette Thurston Oddoye and Phyllis Cyrus. Left to mourn his passing: his wife Regina Haynesworth Thurston, his mother Audrey C. Thurston, one sister Linda R. Thurston, and three brothers, Clarence F. Thurston, Leon C. Thurston and Jonathan W. Cyrus, two God-daughters, Lora C. Cubbage and Lisa M. Cubbage, and many nephews, nieces, family & friends.

Services will be conducted at Second Baptist, 6400 Woodway, Houston Texas 77057, and burial at Houston National -Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.

In lieu of flowers, his wish for contributions be made to MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston Texas or Second Baptist Church of Houston, Texas, Foreign Mission Board.