Florence "Flo" Beason Curry

Flo was born on December 11, 1936, the second oldest of eight children of Mamie and Porter Beason, who raised their family on a small farm in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Her father Porter worked in the timber industry until he retired from the Weyerhaeuser Company. Her mother Mamie was a homemaker and seamstress who excelled at quilting.

Flo graduated from Broken Bow High School and later attended the University of Tulsa. She eventually settled in Midland, Texas working for Tenneco Oil Company and as a model in her 20s and 30s. In 1975, after she married and had two children, she acquired a private real estate company, which she owned and successfully operated as a sole proprietorship until her death.

Flo was an avid tennis player as a young mother raising her children, winning the Midland Country Club woman’s singles Championship many times. She was also a Sapphire and Gold Life Master in contract bridge, which was her favorite pastime up until her death. Her love for bridge brought her into a loving community over many years. She treasured vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with her family. She was a past President of the Midland Bridge League and Midland Ballet and a longtime member of the Midland-Odessa Symphony Guild and the Minute Club of Midland.

Christmas Eve at Flo’s house was a treasured tradition for the entire family. These gatherings quickly became legendary with all her kids and grandkids, and she welcomed friends outside the family to join. She loved her family first and foremost. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Flo was preceded in death by her husband Max Erle Curry and her infant son Michael Ray Hall, her brothers Robert and Virgil Beason and her sisters Glenda Haltom and Sandra Mayfield.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela Essman Spencer, and her husband Greg of Midland, and by her son James W. Essman and his wife Harriet of Midland. She is also survived by six grandchildren Natalie Guinn and her husband Tyler of Austin, Michael Spencer, and his wife Hannah, of Austin, Emily Zieschang and her husband Derek of College Station, James P. Essman of Midland, Macy Essman Baiano and her husband Vincent of Midland, and Smith H. Essman of Midland, and by 8 Great-Grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Lisa Meaney and her brothers Bucky and Roy Beason.

Finally, the family would like to thank Tonia Padilla, a cherished friend who has become part of our family for her years of love and dedication to Flo.

There will be a small service for immediate family members. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in memory of Flo Curry, or to charity of your choice.