No she was not a lesbian.
Another View
I don't know how anyone can know for sure. There's lots of rumors about, but nothing more... check out the link I included.
Have you heard her song 'Tom Cat' though? I'm sure that's about another woman...
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Willie Mae Thornton
Big Mama Thornton died on July 25, 1984 at the age of 57.
Cotelia Williams 1901-1984 Willie Mae Thornton 1926-1984 Kenny V. Barton 1965-1984
Willie Mae Thornton, Big Mama, Did not marry to anyone. She was a lesbian and since her father was a minister and the bible clearly states homosexuality is wrong he did not approve and there are no recordings of her ever having a partner, so no she was never married and no kids. Willie Mae Thornton was married in Los Angeles CA to Leon "Rock" Smith. This fact was related to me by Mr. Smith himself. Knowing the character of the man, I had no reason to question or otherwise dispute his assertion.