Gwendolyn Sue Thornton

Gwendolyn Sue Thornton, lovingly known as Gwen, passed away on October 1, 2026, at the age of 72. Born Gwendolyn Sue Wheeler on November 19, 1953, to the late Kenneth and Ruth Wheeler, she was raised in Hominy, Oklahoma. There, she later raised her two children, Christa and Kristin, before making her home in Cleveland, Oklahoma, with her beloved husband, Jim Thornton.

Gwen was a daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend. She was a woman of many talents, a strong work ethic, and an independent spirit. She owned and operated a beauty shop for many, many years, where she worked as a beautician and built lasting relationships with people from all walks of life. Through her business, she shared her warmth, humor, and kindness with everyone she met.

Gwen held a deep conviction that every child deserved a happy childhood filled with love, kindness, and laughter. She helped raise her nieces and nephews and welcomed children from the community into her home, providing a safe and loving place to land. She loved playing with them and sharing in their laughter and joy.

Her kindness and sense of humor were gifts she shared daily. She saw the good in people, met them where they were, and made them feel welcome and understood.

Gwen is survived by her husband, Jim Thornton; her children, Christa Unap Fulkerson and her husband, Aaron Fulkerson, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Kristin Jameson of Columbia, Missouri; and Kanita Thompson and her husband, Jed Thompson, of Prosper, Texas; step daughter Kazia White of Verdigris, Oklahoma and her six grandchildren, Jordan Kidder, Morgan Kidder-Brown, Kelsey Barrone, Peyton Unap, Evan Fulkerson, and Kaya Thompson.

She is also survived by her brother, Roger Wheeler Sr.; her sisters, Beverly Bishop and Cathy Bradsher, Pat Bundy; and her nieces and nephews, Charles Wheeler, Little Rog, Jill, Rachel, Sammy, Joey, Shiela, David, Zach, and Ryan Bradsher, along with other extended family members.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Ruth Wheeler; her late grandparents O.J. and Margaret Wallace; her uncles, Benny Kent, Robert Wheeler; her brothers, Kenny Wheeler II and Lawrence Wheeler; stepson Jim Stacy Thornton, and her nephew, lovingly known as Little Kenny.

Gwen's greatest legacy is found in the family she loved so deeply and in the countless lives she touched along the way. She will be remembered for her generous heart, fierce independence, willingness to care for others, and the humor that could light up a room. The lessons she taught, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave will continue through her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.