Dora Levell Ward Willard was born Palm Sunday, March 29,
1931 to James Hollie & Julia (French) Ward in LeFlore, OK. She was one of four children , and she was
preceded in death by her parents;
brother, James and sister, Margaret, and adopted brother, Roy Walters. Dora married Papa, Bill Willard, on Saturday,
March 5, 1955 in LeFlore, and together they had a daughter, Holli, who was born
Monday, February 17, 1958.
Meemaw and Papa lived in Durant while Papa went to college
on the G.I. Bill at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. From there, they went wherever Papa taught;
Glenpool, LeFlore, Talihina, Fanshawe, and finally at Red Oak. This is where they settled, living most of
their time at the place up on the hill, taking us camping, mowing that place
with a push mower, hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas, and making dozens and
dozens of cookies.
Meemaw passed from this life into eternity with Jesus on
Saturday, November 16, 2019, having reached the age of 88 years, seven month,
and seventeen days. She is survived by
her husband of 64 years, Bill Willard; daughter, Holli White & husband Leslie;
Grandchildren, Kerry White & wife Cassie
all of Red Oak, Blake White & Tori of Poteau, OK, Jill White of Red
Oak; sister, Barbara Austin of Austin,
TX. She has even great-grandchildren:
Macie, Hayden, Deacon, Layni, Averi, Ainslee, and Emma. She has countless nieces and nephews that she
loved and told fun stories about all the time.
For years she kept a family reunion going that kept us together and formed an
extended family bond that most people could only dream of. Her legacy is immeasurable and her impact on
lives felt far beyond her family and far beyond the town of Red Oak.
Services will be held at Red Oak First Baptist Church on
Wednesday, November 20th at 1 pm.
Graveside will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Viewing for family and friends will be at
Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau on Tuesday, November 19th
from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
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