Florence Helen Dooley

Florence was born and raised in West Belmar, New Jersey, where she was raised by her single mother. She was the youngest of four (Frances, Earnest, and Robert), who already left the house after her mother’s divorce. While her mom was working, Florence had the freedom to head to the beach, meet boys and cousins, and work at a department store in her early teens. She loved school and excelled in high school. Her mother had the same cool calm collective and resilient nature as Florence. Her mother was a powerful force in her life. Florence’s mom moved to San Antonio to be close to her daughter and grand kids, after Florence married Darrel Dooley, an Air Force Master Sergeant, when they moved to Texas in 1950. Darrell was also raised by a divorced father. They were two people who wanted a better family life and a better financial situation for themselves. Florence was skeptical about the military over-commanding attitude. She believed in the freedom to find your own path and believed in the humanity and optimism of people. While she was raising four children, she sold Avon products, and became the top selling Avon Queen in San Antonio. She was involved with the Women’s Society of Christian Service at Highland Terrace United Methodist Church in San Antonio, and later at Grace United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. As a child growing up in New Jersey, she said the minister and the congregation looked out for her and gave her guidance. She built many friendships with the women of the church and they made a powerful impact on her life. Her sister, Toots (Frances), was also a powerful force in her life. Toots gave her advice about boys, marriage, cooking, and raising kids. Even though Toots lived in New Jersey and Florence lived in Texas and Oklahoma, they still had some serious and funny discussions on the phone every week.

Florence and Darrel moved to Oklahoma City in 1970, and finally felt financially secure owning a house, and Darrel worked for the U.S. Weather Service. Oklahoma City was a step up from living on military wages. Florence and Darrel’s four children, (Florence, Lyle, Frank, and Kathleen) always felt secure and loved by their mom and dad. Florence saw the best in people. Her strengths were to be nonjudgmental, optimistic, and resilient, traits she got from her mother and sister. She was very close to her daughters, Florence Christine living in Norman, and Kathleen living at home with Florence and Darrel for over fifty years. She is survived by her daughter Florence Christine, her son Frank living in Los Angeles, her granddaughter Megan, her grandson Scott, and her great granddaughter Charlotte. Her passing was proceeded by the death of her son Lyle in 1989, her husband Darrel in 2013, and her daughter Kathleen in 2025.