In Memory of Toni Thornton

Cleona (Toni) Thornton, 82, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on August 28, 2025 in Fort

Smith, Arkansas.

Cleona (Toni) Thornton was born on April 10, 1943 in Toronto, Kansas to Harry Guy and Laura Cleona Garrison. She grew up in Kansas and Oklahoma and later settled in the Wilburton area with her family.

Toni will be remembered for her love of missions and faithful service to her church, Calvary Baptist in Wilburton. She loved her family, especially supporting her grandkids. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, crafting, sewing, and telling others about the love of Christ.

Toni is survived by her daughters, Yvette & Joe Bray and LaDonna & Paul Enis; her son, Stephen Thornton & Lindsey Jones; her grandchildren: Ryan & Justin Enis, TJ Bray & Natassia Zink, Andrew Enis, Emily & Derek Vetter, Taylor & Anna Bray, Stevie Thornton, and Spencer & Miranda Bray. Her legacy will continue through her nine great-grandchildren: Carson, Hadlee, Rozlynn, Calhan, Finley, Myles, Maeva, Lana, and Norah. She is also survived by her sister, Laura Shepherd; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, James Thornton; her daughter, Mary Yvonne Thornton; her granddaughters, Amanda Bray and Stephanie Enis; her great-granddaughter, Ryleigh Enis; her parents, Harry and Laura Garrison, and her brothers, Paul, Don, Jim, Leonard, and Bob.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4 at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

A service celebrating Toni’s life will be held on Friday, September 5, at 11am at Calvary Baptist Church in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Willard Francis officiating. Interment will follow at Lutie Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather and honor her memory.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Enis, TJ Bray, Andrew Enis, Emily Vetter, Taylor Bray, Stevie Thornton, and Spencer Bray.

Toni was a blessing to all who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed by so many. Toni was a blessing to all who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed by so many.