Mary Francis Combs

Mary Francis (Lockard) Combs, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Southlake, Texas, departed this life on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 in Tarrant County, Bedford, Texas. She was born in Rogers County, Alluwee, Oklahoma on December 3, 1928, to Earl George and Wilkie Jane Lockard. Mary Francis lived a beautiful life as a result of her joyful, gracious and giving spirit. Mary Francis had her “movie star opportunity” at the early age of 5 ½ years. While on vacation in California, her parents were asked to allow a screen test as a stand-in for Shirley Temple. Her parents said “no” and hence her Hollywood fame was short lived. Mary Francis attended school at Smithville and Whitesboro, Oklahoma until fourth grade, when her family moved to Stilwell, Oklahoma. After eighth grade graduation, the family moved to Augusta, Kansas where Mary Francis was elected Outstanding Freshman Student of the Year and received academic awards. She graduated in 1946 from Stilwell High School where she also received numerous honors and awards. Mary Francis attended four years at Oklahoma State University (formerly OK A&M) where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1950. While at O.S.U. she was on the Deans’ Honor Roll, Sweetheart of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Vice-President of Stout Hall, and Recreational Chairman of the Wesley Foundation. It was here that she caught the eye of a blue-eyed, handsome young man, Melvin C. Combs who was to become her husband. Mary Francis’ high school teaching career began in Vian, Oklahoma. It was here her Home Economics class was offered a unique opportunity which resulted in a 30 minute television show about good nutrition broadcast from KOCO-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This was the first television show presented by the Vocational Home Economics Department of Oklahoma. Later, Mary Francis and Melvin moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where their three children were born. After she and her family moved to Oklahoma City, she worked on the committee to develop state curriculum for vocational economics. Mary Francis considered it a privilege to be home with her children during their developmental years. In 1963, she returned to teaching and earned her Masters of Education in 1967 from the University of Central Oklahoma (formerly Central State University). For the remainder of her teaching career Mary Francis taught elementary in the Oklahoma City public schools until her retirement in 1986. Mary Francis possessed many talents and gifts. One was the ability to touch the lives of children by helping them realize their own potential and to become what God created them to be. Her support and advocacy to others changed lives. She was able to witness the many accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and nieces throughout the years. She dearly loved Faith Church, the many friends made and blessings received during her membership and service of 42 years. Mary Francis was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Melvin C. Combs and her brother E. Darryl Lockard of Stilwell, OK. She is survived by an adoring family that includes her son, Dr. Max Combs and wife Debi of Madill, OK; daughter, Karla Combs of Oklahoma City, OK; daughter, Cheri Combs of Grapevine, TX; and two grandchildren, Maxie Elizabeth of Stillwater, OK, and Matthew Combs of Madill, OK. Also, sister-in-law, Jan Lockard of Stilwell, OK, nieces Michelle Clark, of Raleigh, NC, Melissa Pianalto and husband Dan of Elm Springs, AR, niece Darrylyn Webb and husband Brett of Wichita, KS, great niece Sarah Forbes and husband David of Winterville, NC, great nephew Ben Clark of Raleigh, NC and great nephew W. Lockard Webb of Wichita, KS. Services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at Faith Church. Interment will follow at 4:30 PM at the New Hope Cemetery in Stilwell, Oklahoma.Arrangements under the direction of Bill Merritt Funeral Service, Bethany, OK.