Mr. Quinton D. Worthams

Quinton Dewey Worthams, the oldest son of the late Wilbert Worthams and Virgie Worthams Garrett was born on October 31, 1945, in Jackson, Tennessee. He departed this life on February 25, 2026 in Jackson, the city in which he was born and one that he loved so dearly. Quinton was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer, and his sister Belinda Russell. Quinton’s childhood years were spent in Jackson. Upon going to Cleveland, Ohio during his summer vacations, Quint’s parents were amenable to his staying there to attend school in Cleveland. Even though he welcomed the new experience, he longed for the closeness of the south. Quinton returned to Jackson where he graduated from Merry High School in 1964. He attended Ohio State University where he enjoyed running track and cross-country. Later he decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Later he continued his matriculation at Woodbury University and Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. After enlisting in the United States Marine Corps during the summer of 1965, he was asked to apply to the Officers School. After acceptance, he graduated from Marine Corps Officers Candidate's School at Quantico, Virginia, and was commissioned a Marine Corps Second Lieutenant in 1967. He served on active duty from 1965-1970.This included one tour of combat duty in Vietnam in 1969, where he was a Battalion Communications Officer and Platoon Commander with the 3rd Marine Division. He also served two tours of duty on Okinawa in 1966 and 1970. After returning to the United States, Quinton finished his active duty service in San Diego, California, and became a Captain in the USMC Reserve in 1970. Captain Worthams received numerous awards for outstanding service during his active duty status. He was not just in the Marines; he was a Marine and he remained a Marine until he received his wings! Upon discharge from active duty, Quint entered the corporate world, in which he held management positions with Xerox Corporation, Bank of America, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science of Los Angeles. He also exercised his entrepreneurial spirit, as he owned and operated a skilled nursing facility, practiced real estate development, started the Los Angeles Medical Billing Service, and founded the Los Angeles Sports Training & Analyis Company. He was an avid reader and prolific writer, using both of these attributes in the shaping of his careers. Quinton enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the summer of 1965 and was encouraged to apply for Officer School. Upon acceptance, he completed Marine Corps Officers Candidate's School at Quantico, Virginia, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1967. His active-duty service, which lasted from 1965 to 1970, included a tour of combat duty in Vietnam in 1969, where he served as Battalion Communications Officer and Platoon Commander with the 3rd Marine Division. Additionally, he completed two tours of duty in Okinawa in 1966 and 1970. After returning to the United States, Quinton finished his active-duty service in San Diego, California, and in 1970 became a Captain in the USMC Reserve. Captain Worthams received numerous awards for his exemplary service. His commitment to the Marine Corps ran deep—he was not just in the Marines; he was a Marine through and through, proudly continuing this identity throughout his life. After completing his military service, Quinton transitioned into the corporate sector, where he held management positions at Xerox Corporation, Bank of America, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate a skilled nursing facility, engage in real estate development, launch the Los Angeles Medical Billing Service, and establish the Los Angeles Sports Training & Analysis Company. Quinton was also an avid reader and a prolific writer, passions that informed and enriched his professional endeavors. Quinton was a member of the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the Trustee Ministry for many years. In recent years, Quinton chose to deepen his spiritual journey by joining the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. He became a member under the guidance and leadership of Pastor Rev. Reginald Currie. This decision was influenced by the considerable time he spent in the Jackson area, allowing him to reconnect with his community and faith in a meaningful way. Quinton was deeply involved in the Los Angeles community, dedicating his time and talents to making a positive impact on the lives of others. He served as a member of the Board of Directors at the Crenshaw YMCA, where his leadership and commitment helped guide the organization’s efforts in supporting local families and youth. In addition to his role at the YMCA, Quinton took on the responsibility of Past-President of the PTSA at Windsor Hills, demonstrating his passion for education and advocacy for students’ success. His dedication to youth extended to the basketball court, where he coached young athletes and helped shape their character and skills. Over the years, dozens of young men and women continued to address him as “Coach Worthams,” a testament to the lasting influence he had as a mentor and role model in their lives. Following his retirement, Quinton actively explored and expanded his interests, embracing a variety of hobbies that brought him joy. He found great amusement in the world of gadgets, delighting in their innovation and utility. Among his favorite pastimes, golf consistently remained at the top of his list, offering him a relaxing escape and a chance to unwind. Above all other pursuits, Quinton’s devotion to his grandchildren remained steadfast and unwavering. He treasured every moment spent with them, consistently making their visits a central priority in his life. In the summer preceding his retirement, Quinton planned and embarked on a memorable “road trip,” thoughtfully organizing an opportunity for his grandchildren from California to travel and spend time with their cousins in Atlanta, as well as to connect with family members in Michigan. This journey, which brought together his grandchildren from different states, was one of the most extraordinary experiences in Quinton’s life. It served as a powerful testament to his deep love and commitment to nurturing strong bonds among his grandchildren, uniting the family across distances and generations. Quinton’s family life was marked by deep love, commitment, and enduring bonds. He first married Ernesta Whitlock, and together they welcomed a son, David Worthams. Later, Quinton married Christiana Worthams, and their union was blessed with three children: Quinton II, Robert, and Jennifer. In November 2009, tragedy struck the family when Jennifer was involved in a fatal accident in Atlanta, Georgia. The profound loss of his beloved daughter left Quinton with a deep and overwhelming grief, creating a void that was difficult for him to overcome. Despite the immense sorrow he experienced, Quinton found comfort and strength in his faith. Through his period of mourning, he was inspired to honor Jennifer’s memory in a meaningful way. Out of this loss, Quinton established the Jennifer Worthams Foundation. Through the foundation, he created opportunities for women transitioning out of prison, providing them with safe and stable housing while they pursued their education at Lane College. This act of compassion and service ensured that Jennifer’s legacy would live on, bringing hope and support to others in their journey toward a better future. Cherished Family and Friends Quinton’s legacy is preserved through the loving memories of his devoted family and close friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christiana, his three sons, David (Niki), Quinton, and Robert (Nailah); grandchildren, Robert Worthams, II., Aaliyah Worthams, Elijah Worthams, Isaiah Worthams, Joshua Worthams, Alex Hinton (Megan), and Cristiana Worthams; great grandchildren Emmy Johnson, Ezra Johnson; sister, Doris Wortham-Ransom; brothers Dr. Argentina Wortham (Susan), and Joseph Worthams (Mary); cousins Walter Wortham (Clarice), Willie Lawrence Wortham (Lois), Rev. Patricia Wortham Smith (Johnny), Dr. Anne Wortham, Dr. Maxine Wortham, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, Quinton’s life enriched by enduring friendships. His longtime friends Larry Brown, Lonnie Leslie, Larry Eastland, and Ralph Dawson remained steadfast companions, sharing in life’s joys and challenges. The love and support of family and friends shaped Quinton’s journey and will continue to honor his memory.

Mr. Quinton D. Worthams

October 31, 1945 - February 25, 2026