Dorothy Lee Garner, passed away in Fort Smith, AR on August 04, 2023 at the age of 91. She was born in Wister, Oklahoma on November 19, 1931, to Val Waters and Faye Chaplin Waters.
On March 18, 1950, Dorothy married the love of her life, John Al Garner, Jr., at a ceremony held in the home of John’s parents, Dutch and Bess Garner. The newlyweds lived briefly in San Antonio, TX and Blackstone VA, while John served in the military. But home was always their beloved Wister. It was here among family and friends that they invested their lives and raised their daughter.
Dorothy enjoyed the comradery of those she held dear; family and neighbors were her delight, and she loved involvement in her community. During her life, she had many interests and endeavors–she enjoyed visiting with others as she worked in the store and gas station owned by her mom. She served as a bus agent for Jefferson Lines from 1973-2005. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wister, and she worked tirelessly in Wister Pride community projects. Beyond, life at home, Dorothy was an avid traveler, and she thoroughly enjoyed shopping and making new friends along the way as she enjoyed these hobbies.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, John Al Garner, Jr., and her parents Val and Faye Waters.
She is survived by her daughter Cheryl (Sherry) Diane Garner of Wister, brother Donald Waters of Ponca City, OK, nephew Rick Waters and his wife Rhonda of Ponca City, Ok, nephew Kerwin Waters and his wife Cindy of Montgomery, TX, cousins Tommy and Carolyn Ward of Wister, OK, Julie Ward Holland of Ft. Smith, AR, Stephen Ward of Poteau, OK, Chris Ward and his wife Jill of Poteau, OK, and niece Brenda Richardson and her husband Jim of Bedford, TX. She leaves behind many other cherished family members and friends.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, Aug 7, at 2:00 P.M, at First Baptist Church of Wister, with Rev. Keith Stewart and Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. Pallbearers will be Bockey Martin, Shawn Covert, Bruce Kelley, Donnie Dewitt, Dustin Gibson, and Bryn Pickering.
Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, OK, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral home.
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