Jonelle Wheatley Thornton, age 78, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, September 23, 2018, in her home in Helena, Texas, with Bill Thornton, her husband of 57 years, and her loving family surrounding her. Born on October 27, 1939, Jonelle grew up in Brownsville, TX, with her parents, Marshall and Ruth Clark. Jonelle 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, Matthew. They lived in Austin, Temple, the Rio Grande Valley, South Padre Island, and, in retirement, on their ranch in Helena. Jonelle 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. She is survived by her husband, Bill Thornton; son, Steve (Lorie); grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Pierson, Phillip and Dylan Loveland, and Wyatt Aikman-Thornton; great grandchildren, Rebecca and Madeline Pierson; nieces, nephew, and other relatives; and her beloved Chihuahua, B.B. Visitation will be held Friday, September 28, 2018 from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 1:00p.m. at Karnes City Cemetery with Rev. Danielle Knapp officiating of the Karnes City United Methodist Church.