Thornton Lam
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Elba Thornton Lam, 86, of Amissville passed away on October 2, 2021. He was born on June 9, 1935 to Arthur Blaine Lam and Annie Laurie Lam. Thornton worked from an early age, milking cows before going to school and then drove a school bus his senior year of high school. Between his sophomore and junior years of college, he served in the United States Air Force for three years, working as a surveyor and traveling TDY to many countries.
Thornton was a social worker, receiving degrees in social work from Bridgewater College abd Virginia Commonwealth University. His first job was with the American Red Cross, being stationed in Germany for three years. Other employments include Fairfax County Social Services and State of Virginia Social Services. He retired in 2003 from Child Nutrition, Inc., a nonprofit business which he had started.
After moving from Oakton, VA to Amissville, VA, he did gardening (Farmer's Market), harvested hay, and managed a herd of cattle.
He was a member of Amissville Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and participated in other activities.
Thornton leaves his loving wife of 63 years, Iva Brubaker Lam, his two sons, David Thornton Lam (Stacy) of Amissville, VA and Gary Edward Lam of Bel Aire, MD. He is so proud of his seven grandchildren?Donovan Lam (Nancy), Bethany Brown (Davey), Collin Lam, Duncan Lam, Sierra Kendall (Rich), Madison Lam, and Alexis Lam, and his six precious great-grandchildren?Harper, Zane, Lincoln, Annielynn Brown, and Henry & Eli Lam. He also leaves his supportive sister, Tracy Pless.
The family will accept visitors for a public visitation on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Moser Funeral Home, Warrenton, VA. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 PM the following day, Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, Jeffersonton, VA.
We are grateful to the Hospice Care Team from Heartland in Warrenton for their excellent care.
Online condolences may be expressed at moserfuneralhome.com.