Thana Stuart Schoen, 83, of Little Rock

By Mark Keith, 01/19/23 8:42 PM

Thana Stuart Schoen, age 83, of Little Rock, AR., passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023, surrounded by her loving husband and children, and two daughters-in-law. Thana is preceded in death by her parents, Kester and Mary Dorn Stuart of Nashville, Arkansas, and her identical twin, Rhana Harris DuBose of Atlanta Texas.

Thana is survived by her husband, Joe Schoen, and her three children, Mike Schoen and his wife Yvonne of Los Angeles California, Scott Schoen and his wife Liza of Little Rock, and her daughter, Merica Schoen Clinkenbeard and her husband Bob of Springfield Missouri. She is also survived by her niece Kim Harris Epperson and her husband Grady of New Boston, Texas, and nephew Hal Harris and his wife Mary of New Boston,Texas, brother-in-law Roland DeBose of Atlanta, Texas and brother-in-law, Harry Schoen of Texarkana, Arkansas. Thana, or “Grandmother” has seven grandchildren, Allison Schoen Anza and Kyle Schoen of Prescott, Arizona, Katie Schoen Houk and Laura Schoen of Washington, D.C., and Ty Clinkenbeard, Springfield, MO, Trace Clinkenbeard, Kansas City, MO, and Jack Clinkenbeard, Springfield, MO. She also loved her “bonus” grandchildren Kevin Khalili, Emily Lundy, and Kristopher Lundy. Finally, in June of 2022, she was blessed to meet her first great-grandchild, Karliah Anza, of Prescott, Arizona.

Jody and Thana were the perfect love story and exemplified not only how to love each other, but also how to love others. As campus Beau and Sweetheart of Texarkana College, they had not yet met, but their fate was sealed. Joe and Thana began their life in North Little Rock but spent most of their years as residents of Hope, Arkansas. It is in Hope where Thana changed lives every day as an elementary school teacher. Part of her teaching career was her passion for helping students with disabilities at the School of Hope, and later in her retirement years as a CASA volunteer, Hospice volunteer, neighbor, and friend. As an active member of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, Thana tirelessly helped everyone she met. She was a loving wife to Jody and mother to Mike, Scott, and Merica, but an angel to anyone who crossed her path.

Thana entered this world on December 18th, 1939, born as an identical twin and delivered at home by a doctor that arrived in horse and buggy. Although not rich in worldly possessions, living on the farm and having her twin sister at her side was her joyous childhood. She was vibrant, creative, smart, and loved books. She was an amazing seamstress, sewing everything she or her daughter wore. Giving both children and adults the skill to read was her passion along with Red Hat, book club, parades, and floats.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Texarkana, by check, mailed to Hospice of Texarkana, Inc. 2407 Galleria Oaks Drive, or online www.hospiceoftexarkana.org or, https://www.hospiceoftexarkana.org/online-giving

Mom, you were strong and beautiful up until your last breath. Thank you for showing us the way to live and die. Our love for you and all that you taught us will now live through us.

– Mike, Scott, and Merica.

On Friday, January 20th there will be a Family Rosary at 6:00 pm, followed by Visitation from 6:30-7:30 pm at East Funeral Home-Downtown, 602 Olive Street, Texarkana, TX. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 21st at 10:00 am at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 407 Beech Street, Texarkana, Arkansas. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of East Funeral Home-Downtown.

Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneral home.com