Shreveport Class Reunion Inspires Fundraiser for Jake and Samantha Thornton, Two Survivors of Tragic Church Van Accident

Friends and former Woodlawn High School classmates of Portia Lewis Thornton will host a fundraiser for her two surviving children, Jake and Samantha Thornton, of Oak Grove, La. Portia Thornton and her other two children, Katelyn and Brittany, died in a church van accident on June 22 in Oak Grove. Also killed in the accident were the van’s driver and a four-year-old girl. Jake and Samantha received serious injuries in the accident.

A group of 1960s-1970s Woodlawn graduates recently held a reunion at Betty Virginia Park in Shreveport. Portia was able to attend the reunion and reconnect with friends and classmates from high school. The brief get-together made the church van accident and the resulting deaths a more personal tragedy for Portia’s classmates. They recognized the family’s need and found a way to make a difference.

The fundraiser is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 8-9, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., at Jack’s Bar-B-Q, 1301 N. Market in Shreveport. The group will be selling chicken plates for $8 each. Pickup and delivery are available. Call 318-564-1969 to order or for more information about the event.

Donations will also be accepted at the event, or may be mailed to the attention of Diann Mayfield at Jacks BBQ, 1301 N. Market, Shreveport, LA 71107.

There is a facebook page for the event at www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100724683356372.