Jonelle Wheatley Thornton

Helena, TX - Jonelle Wheatley Thornton, 78, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, September 23, 2018, in her home in Helena. She was surrounded by her husband of 57 years, Bill Thornton and her loving family. Jonelle was born October 27, 1939, to parents, Marshall and Ruth Clark. She grew up in Brownsville and attended Southwestern University, where she was a member of the outstanding Southwestern A Cappella Choir and Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She was selected as a school beauty and as the Kappa Sigma dream girl of 1960. During her time at Southwestern, Jonelle met Bill Dozier Thornton, the love of her life, and they married in 1961. They had three children, Brian, Steven and Matthew. They lived in Austin, Temple, the Rio Grande Valley and South Padre Island then later in her retirement, they lived on their ranch in Helena. She was a beacon to her family. Her light shone bright and her love ran deep. Jonelle was preceded in death by her sons, Brian and Matthew Thornton. Survivors include her husband, Bill Thornton; son, Steve (Lorie) Thornton; grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Pierson, Phillip and Dylan Loveland and Wyatt Aikman-Thornton; great-grandchlildren, Rebecca and Madeline Pierson; along with nieces, nephews and other relatives; she also leaves behind her beloved chihuahua, B.B. Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, September 29, at 1 p.m. at Karnes City Cemetery with Rev. Danielle Knapp of Karnes City United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Eckols Funeral Home, Kenedy.