1933-2022

Services for Merlene Chaney Thorn, 89, of Edgewood, were held Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton with Bro. Craig Locke officiating. Interment will be in Haven of Memories.

Mrs. Thorn passed away Nov. 27, 2022, at her home. She was born Aug. 12, 1933, to Charlie Pinkton and Carrie Lenora Staley Chaney.

Merlene was a member of Willow Springs Baptist Church. She grew up in the Edgewood and Fruitvale areas. She attended school through the 8th grade and then worked in the fields until she turned 18. She then worked for Proctor & Gamble for 10 years. After marrying Bennie, they lived in several places: San Diego, California; Kingsville, Texas; Norfolk, Virginia, and Dallas. In 1969 they moved to Edgewood. Merlene was a devoted wife and supported Bennie as a minister’s wife. She loved Southern Gospel Music, word circle puzzle books and watching birds. She was known as the “Avon Lady” all around Van Zandt County and was very successful during her 20 years with Avon.

Mrs. Thorn is preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Thorn; parents, Charlie and Carrie Chaney, and seven brothers and sisters.

Merlene is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Cindy and Mitch Goodson of Edgewood; Ronda and Jeff Taylor of Canton, and Brenda and Rodney English of Canton; six grandsons: Jason and Misti Goodson; Daniel and Crystal Goodson; James Goodson; Brad Freisner and Victoria Michelle Ordosch; Ryan and Luci English, and Rhett and Andrea English; eleven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, and a special friend, Jimmy Cox.

Pallbearers were Jason Goodson, Daniel Goodson, James Goodson, Brad Freisner, Ryan English and Rhett English.

Family received friends Wednesday at the funeral home.