Beloved mother and grandmother, Donna Joyce Stockton Thornton, 80, passed away in the early hours of December 26, 2022. Her final gift to her family was one last Christmas with them.

Donna was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on April 22, 1942. She was a vivacious, talkative child who grew up loving dance, sports, black jeans, dogs, her mom's cooking, Elvis Presley, and looking for adventure. In 1961, Donna was crowned Miss Muskogee and went on to compete in the Miss Oklahoma pageant. Donna earned a Bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and a Master's degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, and was a teacher for 40 years before she finally retired, touching innumerable lives of students over the years. Her kindness and positive outlook made her a favorite teacher, and she often had students run up to her when she was out shopping or dining who would hug her closely and thank her for her support and guidance. Because she loved her interactions with the kids so much, Donna continued to work as a substitute at several local schools, earning the nickname "Gangster Granny" for her irrepressible sense of fun she had with the students. Donna was also known for her kindness to animals of all shapes and sizes; if there was an animal in need, they found a loving forever home with her. In her final years, she enjoyed the company of her constant companion and support animal, Titan. Donna's kindness, compassion, humor, and generosity were her hallmarks, and she always, always felt it was more important to put the needs of others before her own. Donna was a beautiful person inside and out. She loved her family fiercely and was a loving, supportive, lively, and hands-on mother and grandmother.

Donna suffered one stroke in 2021 and another in 2022, from which she was unable to recover. While her spirit remained strong, her tiny body did not. Following an infection she could not fight off, she passed away at home, with her daughter and grandson by her side, her dogs on guard, and the music of Elvis Presley to sing her home. Her death has left a deep chasm, but her love for her family and their love for her will never fade away.

Donna was preceded in death by her father, Don Austin Stockton, and her mother, Gracia Mae Landrum Stockton, both of Muskogee. Donna is survived by her daughter, Angela Thornton, of Muskogee, and her grandson, Alexander Yandell, of Muskogee. Donna's wish was to be cremated and have her ashes scattered to the four winds. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Promoting Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Muskogee.