Ora Alma Yoakum

Doris, Edward, and Bob. She grew up in a loving, tight-knit environment that instilled in her a strong loyalty to family, which she carried with her throughout life. She enjoyed an

especially strong bond with her sisters, and was stuck at the hip to her sister, Sue. Sue and Alma remained close for life. They cut up, partied, laughed, and got into all kinds of fun together.

As a teen, she met and married her first love, Melvin Cecil Traylor. They wasted no time starting a family, and had two children in two years, Charles Murrel and Monica Lynn.

Tragically, Alma was left widowed with her young children when Melvin suddenly passed away while working in the oil field. It was this tragedy that defined Alma as the tough and

independent matriarch we know and love today. As a young, single mother in the 1950's, Alma showed great strength and tenacity in taking care of her family. She worked as a waitress,

a job where her vivacious and outgoing personality excelled. With her petite frame and raven black hair, she was known for having all the beauty and charm of Elizabeth Taylor. She was

classy and flirtatious, and shined as the "life of the party" among her wide group of friends. As a young mother, she was fun and spontaneous. She worked hard and played hard, and

was fiercely loyal to the people she loved.

It was through her group of friends that she caught the eye of Larry Yoakum, who fell in love with the black haired beauty from the moment he saw her. Larry described Alma as so

beautiful she could stop a band from playing just by strutting into the dance hall. After years of friendship, Larry eventually convinced Alma to marry him. It was a good thing he did, ..

because the two enjoyed a long marriage, full of love and deep companionship. Together they became a doting Granny and Paw to seven, very loved, grandkids: Belinda, Abigail, Larry,

Helen, Jeff, Jackie, and Cheyanne. Larry and Alma moved around a lot for Larry's job as a crane operator. The two settled in Houston for a while, but Larry was a country boy at heart, so

they decided to build their own home on a secluded piece of land in Centerville, Texas. This home was lovingly referred to as "the farm" by the couple's family and friends, and became

the meeting place for family gatherings for years to come. Many nights were spent among the pine trees, smoking cigarettes and conversing around a fire. Granny and Paw were fun and laid back grandparents, and spent a lot of time fishing and hanging out with their grandkids and great-grandkids.

Larry and Alma were married for over 30 years until Larry's death in 2008.

Alma spent her remaining years living with her daughter, Monica, and eventually moved to St. Joseph's Manor in Caldwell, TX. Even as a resident in the nursing home, she enjoyed herself by socializing with her many friends. She remained her sociable and vivacious self until the very end,

bringing those around her laughter and companionship. Her sharp and keen sense of humor will be missed, along with her unfailing loyalty and support to those she loved. Alma passed

away at St. Joseph's hospital in Bryan, TX on April 2, 2021. She will be laid to rest next to her late husband, Larry, in Conroe, TX.