First Lady Viola M. Thornton, who is affectionately known as Lady Vi is a native of Miami, Florida, the daughter of Obbie Lee and Mary Helen Johnson. She and Pastor Thornton have been married for over 31 years and she prides herself on being a loving and devoted mother to their three children Barry (Nicole), Ebonni, and Kiantra (Stephen), and the best Gigi to her three granddaughters and one grandson.
Lady Vi has worked side by side with Pastor Thornton in birthing New Life Emmanuel Church. She has been instrumental in managing all administrative aspects of the church to ensure prosperity. Lady Vi is down to earth and believes that everyone writes their own story and finds their path in life. Lady Vi served in several capacities under the leadership of the late Pastors Rev. Junior Mortimer (House of God Miracle Revival Fellowship, Miami, FL) and Bishop Roseanne Story Pratt (Church of Jesus Family Worship Center - Springfield, OH).
Lady Vi holds a bachelor’s degree from Lewis University in Organizational Leadership. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and Top Ladies of Distinction Inc.
