Paula Lynn Thornton

Paula Lynn Thornton, 60, of Donaldson went with the Great Spirit on February 18, 2014. Paula was born on March 5, 1953 in Arkadelphia to Joe Paul and Marjorie Thornton. Growing up, Paula traveled to many places, as her father’s military career afforded her this opportunity. Her parents always encouraged her to learn about other cultures, however, Paula, not only learned of them, but adopted many of the values and applied them to her own life. Paula was very proud of her Cherokee heritage and chose to live her life according to their beliefs. Paula received her BSE-Art from Henderson State University and taught art classes at Carthage and Malvern School Districts. She was a gifted and talented artist. She sold many of her works, but also tried to instill the value of art in her students. She believed that art was an expression of emotion and she encouraged her students to use their talents to express themselves and communicate to others, she merely supplied them with the knowledge they needed to do this. Paula touched the lives of so many through her creative talents.
Paula was a member of Women of the Moose, Arkansas Teacher Association, and Arkansas ABATE.
Paula is survived by her mother, Marjorie Thornton of Donaldson, her sister and brother-in-law; Jamie L. and Karl Shuebrook, her niece; Kimberly Shuebrook, her nephew; Jared Shuebrook all of Florida. Her many cousins that she loved dearly, Joni Thornton Nelson, Sherry Thornton DeChambre, Kelly Hodges, Rhonda Richards, Kenny Hodges, Sherri Posey, Teresa Scarber, Keith Tugwell and Kregg Tugwell.
She is preceded in death by her father, both sets of grandparents, Johnnie and Maple Thornton and Anderson and Jo Posey, her uncle, Bill Posey, her aunt; Louise Posey, and her cousin Cheryl Hughes.
A Celebration of Paula’s life will be held on March 1, 2014 at 405 Goza in Donaldson. The celebration will begin at 3:00 p.m. until the fire goes out. This is a time of remembrance and fun. There will be a cook out and a bonfire. The family requests that you bring your lawn chairs and your coolers and plan to send Paula off in style with smoke and love. Allen “Spirit Hawk” Warford will be officiating with traditional Cherokee prayers and last rites.
Services are provided by Atkinson Funeral Home in Malvern.