Donna Jo Pecoraro Woodson Thornton

1958 - 2018

Donna Jo Pecoraro Woodson Thornton

Knoxville - Donna Jo Pecoraro Woodson Thornton went to heaven in the arms of her family at her home in Knoxville, TN on March 10, 2018. She was only 60 years old, and passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Donna was born to Anthony Joseph Pecoraro and Wilma Woods Pecoraro in Gibson, TN on February 11, 1958. She was raised with her little sister Sandra Dee in both Chicago, IL and Humboldt, West Tennessee. She graduated Union University in 1980 with a degree in education with a focus on special education. Since college, she was an active lifelong sister in the Chi Omega Sorority. She was a dedicated and accomplished teacher for more than 20 years in Memphis and Knoxville, and gave her whole heart to her students each day. "Donna Jo" was graceful, kind, hilarious, and beautiful. She always put "family first", loved being a mom and a wife, and taught her children to "love unconditionally." She was a shinning light, and a blessing on this earth, and there truly was "never a dull moment" of her remarkable life. Donna will remain forever in the hearts of her family and the lives of so many people she met. Donna's surviving family includes her loving husband of 15 years, Bob Thornton, her five children Joseph Woodson, Elizabeth Woodson, Caitlin Woodson Campbell (and husband Tighe Campbell), Cameron Thornton, and Payton Thornton, and her sister Sandra Pecoraro Autry. Receiving of Friends will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, March 13, followed by a Memorial Celebration at 6:00 PM at United Concord Methodist Church of Knoxville at 11020 Roane Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 15 at 11:00 AM at Tabernacle United Methodist Church at 3000 Tabernacle Road, Brownsville, TN 38012.