TERRI THORNTON

Mary Theresa “Terri” Thornton passed peacefully in her home in Fort Worth, Texas on the evening of December 17, 2024, while holding the hand of her sweetheart, Cameron Schoepp. Terri was beloved by many, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and support from family, both chosen and given, in her last days. 

Terri was the eldest of Dr. John and Carroll Leah Thornton’s four daughters. Born in Springdale, Arkansas on July 8, 1958, Terri spent most of her formative years in Nacogdoches, Texas where Dr. Thornton (Professor Emeritus of Elementary Education) taught at Stephen F. Austin University. Terri graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1976 and went on to earn her BFA from the University of North Texas followed by her MA and later MFA from the University of Dallas. 

Like her father, Terri appreciated the value of education. Pairing this with her passion for art, Terri taught art at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, TX from 1982 to 1989 and was the Department Chair until 1989. Over the years she also served as adjunct faculty in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Dallas and taught as an adjunct professor at both the University of Texas in Arlington and Texas Christian University. In 1994, Terri became the Curator of Education at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth where she remained until her retirement in November of 2023. 

During her time as the Curator of Education, Terri developed the Tuesday Evenings at the Modern lecture series, a program that brought world renowned artists to the metroplex to speak on their work at no cost to the public—a program that shaped and enriched the local art community in immeasurable ways. 

Terri was herself an accomplished artist. Her drawings were often inspired by her love of poetry, philosophy, and of course the talented artists with whom she surrounded herself. This included her husband of 31 years, Cameron Schoepp, an educator and accomplished sculptor in his own right.

Terri and Cameron were married in an intimate ceremony on May 29, 1993, in the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. Terri’s daughter, Alec (then 8 years old), served as her maid of honor. In 1996, Terri gave birth to her second child, son August. As dedicated as Terri was to her art and the art community, her family always remained her top priority. Terri’s children never had to doubt their mother’s love and dedication to them—she never gave them the opportunity. 

Terri is survived by her husband, Cameron Dean Schoepp (Ft. Worth, TX), son August Whitaker Thornton-Schoepp (Ft. Worth, TX), and daughter Alec Nicole Youngblood-Avery and son-in law Joshua Thomas Avery-Youngblood (Portland, ME); sisters and brothers-in-law Laurie and Markum Brewer (Houston, TX), Heather and Tim Underwood (Dallas, TX), and Heidi and Blake Hanna (Dallas, TX); siblings-in-law Debbie and Gary Calabrese (Chicago, IL), and Scott and Julie Schoepp (Santa Rosa, CA); mother-in-law Carla Schoepp (Chicago, IL), and many nieces, nephews, great-nephews and a (soon-to-be) great-niece, to whom she was “Auntie”. Terri is predeceased by her parents Dr. John and Carroll Leah Thornton and father-in-law Leonard Schoepp. 

In sum, Terri was, is, and will forever be the absolute coolest person many of us had the pleasure of knowing. The world is so lucky to have had her for the last 66 years.

A celebration of Terri’s life will occur in the coming Spring. Further details will be made public as soon as they are available.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Terri’s memory by drinking strong coffee, making good art, committing acts of kindness whenever the opportunity arises, and/or donating to one of her preferred charities:

Heather’s Old Skool Village, which provides amazing care and support to adults with special needs including Terri’s son, August, www.heathersoldskoolvillage.org

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, where Terri worked and inspired others through her work for almost three decades, www.themodern.org 

MD Anderson, where Terri received care following her cancer diagnosis, www.mdanderson.org