Mona was born on June 3, 1947, in Texarkana, Texas, and grew up in Texarkana and Bonham. She married the love of her life, Mike Caldwell, on August 30, 1969, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span 57 years of marriage. Their love story became the foundation of a family filled with laughter, traditions, faith, and pure love.
Together they raised three children, Christian Caldwell, Joey Caldwell, and Michelle Whatley. Along the way, Mona gained two daughters-in-law, Stacy Caldwell and Shannon Caldwell, and a son-in-law, Gabe Whatley, all of whom she loved deeply as part of her family. Mona’s greatest pride and joy was her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, Alex Caldwell, Jonah Caldwell, Sean Caldwell, Emma Whatley, Kate Whatley, Hailey Caldwell, and Jackson Caldwell. They were truly the light of her world, and she celebrated each of them fully with endless encouragement, love, prayers, and unwavering belief in who they were becoming.
Mona had a rare gift for making people feel seen. Quiet yet deeply present, she was fiercely loyal, a thoughtful listener, and a trusted holder of both stories and secrets. People felt safe with her. She carried others’ burdens gently, offered steady support, and had a remarkable way of making people feel heard, valued, and understood. Her presence brought comfort, calm, and reassurance to so many throughout her life. She connected deeply with others through heartfelt conversations, thoughtful texts, handwritten notes, and her constant willingness to show up when someone needed encouragement or support.
She was passionate about people and their stories and became deeply involved in politics and advocacy during the 1980s and 1990s, courageously standing up for others and using her voice to serve her community. Her faith was the anchor of her life. Raised Lutheran and later becoming Episcopalian, Mona lived her faith daily through compassion, prayer, generosity, and service. She was a fierce prayer warrior who faithfully lifted others up in both joyful and difficult seasons.
Mona found beauty in creating a welcoming home. Throughout her life, she built homes and communities in all the places life took her, always creating spaces filled with warmth, faith, laughter, and belonging. She loved cooking for family and friends, especially tapping into her beloved Sicilian roots through her famous Sunday pasta gravy and meatballs, baking fresh breads, quilting beautiful baby blankets, renovating spaces, and creating traditions that would live on for generations. Family holidays were sacred to her. Her children and grandchildren will forever cherish making “Tanta Luci’s” at Christmas and gathering together to read The Night Before Christmas each year, traditions she transformed into treasured memories through her love and intentionality.
She was an avid reader, gifted writer, and true wordsmith. Books were both her refuge and her joy, and she had a remarkable ability to express love, comfort, and wisdom through words. She found wonder in words, music, and nature and often spoke of sensing the presence of the Holy Spirit in everyday moments, even while simply gazing out her window.
Mona was preceded in death by her mother, Harriet “Nonny” Beatrice Kile Zumwalt; her father, Sam Zumwalt; her identical twin sister, Donna; and her older brother, Norman Zumwalt. She is survived by her beloved husband, Mike Caldwell; her children, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, and grandchildren; her nieces and nephews; and countless extended family members and dear friends who became family through the love, kindness, and steadfast devotion she so freely gave to others.
One of Mona’s greatest gifts to those she loved was the blessing she spoke so often:
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”
And peace she has now.
Well done, good and faithful servant, Mona. Your love, faith, traditions, and fierce devotion will continue to live on in all of us.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Allen’s Chapel Cemetery, 1151 CR 2750 Honey Grove, Texas 75492. Deacon Betty Breyfogle will officiate. A reception will follow at the Allen’s Chapel Community Center.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit, www.coopersorrells.com
