Jolene Thurton, Pepper’s Jamaican Food Owner, Dies: Legacy Remembered

The vibrant heart of South Los Angeles dimmed on July 17, 2025, when beloved restaurateur Jolene Thurton, owner of Pepper’s Jamaican Food, was found unresponsive near her community-anchored eatery. At just 39, Thurton’s shocking death has ignited grief, controversy, and urgent calls for justice as authorities and her family clash over what truly happened to the visionary entrepreneur.

Jolene Thurton death

The Disputed Circumstances of Thurton’s Death

Discovery and Initial Response
Thurton was discovered in the 1200 block of West 87th Street, steps from her iconic Pepper’s Jamaican-Belizean Cuisine at Slauson and Van Ness. Paramedics rushed her to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. While the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported responding to gunshots in the area that night, Thurton’s family vehemently disputes this narrative.

Family’s Account vs. Official Reports
In a raw, emotional press conference, Thurton’s cousin Isabell “Izzy” Requena alleged Thurton was fatally stabbed during a confrontation with a “provoking energy” in her life. “Police moved her body before anyone could apply pressure to her wounds,” Requena stated, demanding transparency. The Sheriff’s Department maintains its investigation includes possible gunshot injuries, deepening the mystery. No suspects have been named, and the coroner’s official cause of death remains pending.

Jolene Thurton’s Legacy: More Than a Restaurateur

A Cultural Beacon in Los Angeles
Born in the mid-1980s, Jolene grew up steeped in Jamaican and Belizean traditions, which she transformed into Pepper’s—a culinary sanctuary celebrated for authentic oxtail stew, jerk chicken, and plantains. Beyond recipes, she fostered community. “Pepper’s wasn’t just a restaurant; it was where neighbors became family,” shared a longtime patron.

Entrepreneur, Mother, and Inspiration
Thurton balanced multiple roles: actress, creative entrepreneur, and devoted mother to her 11-year-old son, Endon. Her sister Ronnie remembered her as “a fighter, a giver, a creator, and a mother whose love had no limits.” Pepper’s thrived under Jolene’s hands-on leadership, with her Instagram (@joelinejolenem) showcasing vibrant dishes and motivational messages for her 11,000 followers.

Community Outpouring and Ongoing Impact

Tributes and Financial Support
A sea of flowers and handwritten notes now blankets Pepper’s storefront. A GoFundMe campaign aims to raise $18,000 for Endon’s education and emotional support. “Jolene lifted every soul she met,” Ronnie emphasized, highlighting her sister’s mission to empower women and children. Local leaders have called for increased safety measures near small businesses.

Seeking Answers and Accountability
With the investigation ongoing, Thurton’s family urges witnesses to come forward. The L.A. Sheriff’s Department encourages tips through their official portal. Meanwhile, Pepper’s remains temporarily closed, its future uncertain—a stark symbol of loss in a neighborhood Jolene revitalized.

Jolene Thurton’s death is a devastating blow to Los Angeles’ cultural fabric—a reminder that behind every small business is a dreamer who dared to nourish both bodies and souls. As her family fights for clarity in her disputed passing, supporters can honor Jolene’s legacy by contributing to her son’s future via GoFundMe and demanding justice for a woman whose light was extinguished far too soon.

Must Know

Q: Who was Jolene Thurton?
A: Jolene Thurton, 39, owned Pepper’s Jamaican-Belizean Cuisine in Los Angeles. She was a celebrated entrepreneur, actress, community pillar, and mother whose death on July 17, 2025, sparked widespread mourning.

Q: What caused Jolene Thurton’s death?
A: The cause remains disputed. Thurton’s family claims she was fatally stabbed during a confrontation. The L.A. Sheriff’s Department is investigating possible gunshot involvement, citing reports of shots fired near the scene.

Q: Where did the incident occur?
A: Thurton was found unresponsive near 1200 West 87th Street in Los Angeles, close to her restaurant at Slauson and Van Ness.

Q: How can I support Jolene Thurton’s family?
A: A GoFundMe campaign seeks $18,000 for her son Endon’s education and counseling. The family also urges anyone with information to contact the L.A. Sheriff’s Department.

Q: Was anyone arrested for Thurton’s death?
A: As of now, no suspects have been named or arrested. The investigation remains active.

Q: Will Pepper’s Jamaican Food reopen?
A: The restaurant is temporarily closed. Its future remains uncertain pending family decisions and ongoing investigations.