Young Dolph remembered for generosity, commitment to Memphis, as 'a man after God’s own heart'

Friends and loved ones remembered Young Dolph’s legacy as a “king” and a man who made an impact on Memphis through his generosity and his love Thursday at a “Celebration of Life” ceremony for Adolph Thornton Jr.

In a ceremony filled with music, dancing and video tributes, Memphis expressed its deep mourning over the untimely death of one of its most prominent musicians and community members.

“He had a heart of David, a man after God’s own heart, and I’ll say that until the day I die,” said Mia Jerdine, Thornton’s life partner. “It's definitely painful to not have him in our lives. But one thing I know for sure for certain is that he is in our hearts. He's our guiding star. He's our guardian angel. He's done so many things to just endow wisdom and knowledge and impart so many valuable lessons on me and my family that I know we all cherish.”

Thornton was killed Nov. 17 after two suspects fired through the window of Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies in Memphis. The investigation into his death is ongoing.

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People remembered how Thornton gave out turkeys in the community, how he always returned to Memphis no matter how high his stardom rose, how he purchased meals for people in need.

A video featuring individual tributes from fellow artists like 2 Chainz, 8Ball and members of Three 6 Mafia warmed the attendants up until the first speaker, former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton came out on the stage at the FedExForum.

Herenton spoke of Thornton’s legacy within music and philanthropy; that he was gunned down in the prime of his life, Herenton said, was heartbreaking.

The former mayor referenced the rumors of conflict and personal vendettas that have swirled since Thornton’s death, saying, “He should not have to relinquish his life because of his talent.”

Drawing a reference to the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Herenton bemoaned that Thornton’s death was yet another stain on the city.

He closed out his remarks with a call to “build Memphis up, not tear it down.”

Young Dolph’s contributions “to music and to mankind will live on and on and on,” Herenton said.

Grove Hero, whose real name is Mario Bradley, walked onto the stage with his young son, “so we can see that Dolph influenced generations,” Bradley said.

Bradley, a North Memphis-raised comedian who has toured with Thornton on several occasions, testified that his life looked nothing like it does now before he met Thornton.

“Man, I didn’t even have a car,” Bradley said.

Bradley’s profile as a performer was raised significantly after Thornton recruited him for a role in the “Major” music video.

Thornton’s generosity, Bradley said, begat his own generosity.

Today, Bradley often gives gifts of cash, cars or houses to his community members who need a lift.

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Other speakers included a trio of people connected by Thornton’s generosity who described how Thornton’s financial gifts to them changed their lives.

But, it wasn’t just financial gifts that mattered, said Timothy Fletcher.

“Ever since the day I met him, my life changed,” Fletcher said. Thornton had encouraged him to go out and accomplish his goals, “and don’t let nobody stop me,” he said.

Later, Allen Parks, Young Dolph’s manager, described the artist as passionate, focused and authentic.

“Dolph, you are a titan amongst men, never wavering off the course you have set for yourself, always staying true to your roots, always being about taking care of your family, your city, the city of Memphis,” he said.

It has been an honor to be a part of Dolph’s life and career, Parks said.

One of the most touching moments came when Thornton’s children spoke, standing beside their mother.

7-year-old Adolph Thornton III, known as Tre, first leaned up to the mic as the crowd cheered.

“My dad was the person who raised me and he trained me to be a good man when I grow up,” he said. “First when I was younger I used to love playing … But now that he is dead I’m going to make it up to the whole world and be the greatest person you will ever know.”

4-year-old Aria spoke second: “My dad, I love him cause I know who he is and he’s the best dad I know cause I just like to play with him in my heart cause he’s still in my heart and I’ll keep thinking of him forever and ever and ever.”

Then, on three, Tre led a chant of “Long live Dolph.”

Astrid Kayembe covers South Memphis, Whitehaven and Westwood. She can be reached at [email protected], (901) 304-7929 or on Twitter @astridkayembe_.

Micaela Watts is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal and can be reached at [email protected].

Katherine Burgess covers county government and religion. She can be reached at [email protected], 901-529-2799 or followed on Twitter @kathsburgess.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Young Dolph remembered for generosity, as 'a man after God’s own heart'