Charlene Thornton

1941 - 2025

Charlene Thornton
Sept. 13, 1941 – Sept. 10, 2025
Charlene Thornton passed from this life in the early morning of Sept. 10, 2025. Just a couple days before her birthday of Sept. 13, 1941. She joined her beloved husband Ken and son Joe Don in the presence of her Lord and Savior.
Charlene was born to farmers OD and Della Shackelford and Sister Judy in the Paw Paw Bottoms near Muldrow. When the girls were young the family moved to Wasco, Calif., where they welcomed baby brother DeWayne. They returned to Muldrow when Charlene was in high school. After graduation Charlene made an important move to NSU in Tahlequah where she would meet the love of her life Ken. They were married and spent the next 61 years together raising their family in the little house out on Moody curve right past Jo's Red Barn.
Charlene and Ken had two sons Joe Don and Tuffy. While they may not have had material wealth, they provided their children with the greatest gifts of all: love, security, and an example of kindness and integrity. Clean clothes, supper on the table at 6, a Mom and Dad who loved each other, were always present at every event. They were examples of the kind of people who love, work hard, and care about others with a kindness that is unmatched in today's world. These were the treasures Charlene passed on to her family.
Charlene made a home for her family that everyone who visited was treated to a jelly glass of the best sweet tea and a warmth and love that will endure far beyond the life of our Nina as she was so affectionately called by her grandchildren and their friends. Charlene's most prized possession was never anything material but the happiness and well-being of her family. A self-proclaimed worry wart she was always concerned about everyone else and their happiness. Charlene loved football and was in the stands every Friday night somewhere either watching her kids play or son coaching. She loved camping with friends, playing cards, but mostly watching her sons and grandsons play sports. She never missed a moment.
Charlene is survived by her son, Tuffy, and his wife, Patrice; their children, Jake (wife Whitney and children Asher and Kennedy), Zack (wife Taylor and children Lane and Connor), and Josh. She is also survived by Joe Don's widow, Stacey, and their children, Dr. Brady Thornton (wife Emma) and Shaw Thornton, whose Fourth of July birthdays were specially celebrated with big cookouts and more fireworks than you can imagine at Nina and Bopes' house.
She also leaves behind her sister, Judy Warren; niece Jessica Wilburn; brother, DeWayne Shackelford; nephew Owen Shackelford and niece Becky Prewett; sister-in-law, Ramona Rutherford; nieces Lisa Rutherford and Robin Gann; and many other family and friends, including her dear friend Carol Choate, who faithfully fed and cared for Charlene in her last months.
Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; her son, Joe Don; and her parents, O.D. and Della Shackelford.
Pallbearers will be Jake Thornton, Zack Thornton, Josh Thornton, Brady Thornton, Shaw Thornton, and Kevin Goodnight. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Worth and Jerry Choate.
Charlene's life was defined by love, faith, and devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Funeral Services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 201 Ron Rice Ave.