David Lee Thorne, Jr., age 4, of Jackson, Mississippi, entered his eternal home on September 4, 2025.

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'"

Lee was born on November 11, 2020, to Martha Ann and Lee Thorne. He brought them more joy than anyone could have ever imagined. In 2023, Lee became a big brother to Sam Thorne—a role he mostly loved until it was time to share his favorite toys.

Little Lee was loved by so many as evidenced by the many relationships he acquired in his short time here on earth.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, and a memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Mississippi. The service will be officiated by Dr. David Strain and Rev. David Felker. Interment will follow at Grace Cemetery at Madison Heights Church.

Pallbearers will be Chase Wynn, Christopher Loftin, David Allen, Jr., Grant Ridgway, Josh Shideler, Phillip Parker, PK Thomas, and Price Davis. Arrangements are entrusted to Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home.

Even before birth, Lee faced immense challenges. Diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, he underwent four open-heart surgeries and countless procedures and appointments during his short life. Yet through it all, Lee never complained. He was consistently loving, brave, kind, and polite to everyone he met. One of his favorite parts of "having a special heart" was getting to play with his friends at Children's rehab.

Lee loved swinging in the backyard, music of all kinds, playing with friends, Paw Patrol, only the Weezer version of "Lost in the Woods" from Frozen, and Bluey. He adored dance parties and bedtime pillow forts. His favorite trips included visiting the Peabody Ducks in Memphis, the beach, and "New Norlins." He had begun learning the Children's Catechism and cherished his time at First Pres Day School. Lee's favorite color was blue, and those attending his memorial service are invited to wear blue in his memory.

Lee is survived by his parents, Martha Ann and Lee Thorne; his little brother, Sam; his grandmother, Shelia H. Thorne; and grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Carolyn and David Allen. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Mary Brook and PK Thomas, and Charlotte and David Allen, Jr.; and cousins Will, Henry, Lillian, Judd, and Harris. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, David Reynolds Thorne.

Lee's final months were difficult, but they were also filled with so much joy thanks to the compassionate care of the nurses, therapists, and doctors at Texas Children's Hospital. The Thorne family is forever grateful to his care team for loving Lee—and his parents—so well.

Lee was small, but he was mighty. His impact on this world will not be forgotten and we will all try to live like Lee.