Freestone County, Texas
Obituaries



Modene Knight Thornton
October 9, 1935 - September 8, 2021

Funeral services for Modene Knight Thornton were held on Sunday, September 12, 
2021 at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel at Antioch Cemetery in the Luna community. Zack 
Newman officiated.

Mrs. Thornton passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, in Longview.

Many will remember and cherish the books written by Modene, “Antioch Cemetery at 
Luna Volumes I & II, as well as her extensive genealogical research done of her 
beloved ancestors. She made a mark that can never be erased. All who knew her, 
will miss her. Until we meet again.

She is welcomed to her heavenly home by her husband, Johnny Dale Thornton; her 
parents, William Jackson Knight and Ella Beasley Knight; one granddaughter, her 
namesake, Ella Modene Edmonson; and her brothers and sisters, John Wiley Knight, 
Lorene Knight Walton, Weldon Jackson Knight, Brice Oren Knight, Richard Lee 
Knight, Sr., Haney Gaston Knight, and Betty Lena Knight.

She will be mourned by her daughter, Lori Edmonson & husband John of Longview; 
grandchildren, Rachel Hicks, John “Jack” Edmonson, II, both of Longview, and 
Johnny Cockerell & wife Stephanie of Mansfield; four great-grandchildren, Zachary 
Hicks, Zane Hicks, Dale Cockerell, and Becca Cockerell. She will also be greatly 
missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Modene is also survived by her 
daughters, Joan Wooten and Susan Robertson and her son, Dean Cockerell. She had 
six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchidlren.

The family would like to show appreciation to Mikka Allen of Longview, for her 
love and time spent with care, shown to Modene.

Remember that she had gone to be with Jesus and if you keep Jesus in your heart, 
she’s never farther away than your next heartbeat.