Born in Prague, Oklahoma, Lorene Clinkenbeard Crosswhite passed away at the age of 96 in Oklahoma City. Lorene grew up as one of seven children on farms in Seminole County. As a teenager, her family moved to Stratford where she met her future husband, Charles Leon Crosswhite at the Stratford Pentecostal Holiness Church. They married October 23, 1942 in Bakersfield, California where Leon was soon drafted into the army.
While Leon was overseas, Lorene returned to Stratford from California to await the birth of their first child, Don. During these WWII years, Lorene managed to work at Tinker Army Airfield in the Defense Industry (she was a Rosie the Riveter.)
Returning from Europe in 1946 after his tour of duty, Leon surprised Lorene as he walked into their front yard for the first time and his 2-year-old son Don ran to him, calling, “Daddy! Daddy!”
Soon after, they settled in rejuvenated barracks in Will Rogers Field (OKC). Their second child, Janice, was born five years after Don’s birth.
Lorene’s passions in life were her devotion to God, her husband, and the rearing of her two beloved children.
Lorene contributed to making a better life for her children by preparing newly constructed homes to become move-in ready. (They were spotless when she completed these jobs.) Lorene made sure her children and husband always came home to a hot meal and an immaculate house. All the while she was content to live within her means.
Some of Lorene’s hobbies were gardening, flower arranging, and cookery. Her gift of hospitality included fresh home-made baked goods and home-grown vegetables. (No boxed desserts from her kitchen!) Her coffee table never lacked for fresh bouquets cut from her own backyard along side the crystal candy dish filled with chocolate.
Lorene was known for her “uncommon sense.” For instance, when her niece and nephew, Carol (15) and Chris (10), were in need of a permanent home, without hesitation, Lorene decided they would come to live with her and Leon. And on many other occasions, whether people were in need of temporary housing or needed a hand-up, she and Leon spontaneously offered help.
How do friends describe Lorene? “Nonjudgmental, open-hearted, and thoughtful.” She had a remarkable ability for remembering birthdays and sent out a multitude of cards each year.
She loved God’s word. She had faith that God heard her prayers. She called out the names in prayer of all of her immediate and extended family two times a day – every day of the week! She often made this emphatic statement: “The Lord put me here for a reason and it is not to grumble and complain. So, Lord, put a smile on my face and a sweet tongue in my mouth.”
She was the essence of the woman (Mary) in Mark 14:8 “She did what she could” to take care of the widows and orphans and the sick and to bring justice where it was needed.
Lorene is preceded in death by Leon, her devoted husband of 71years. She is survived by her son Don and his wife Deloris, and their four daughters and families, daughter Janice and her husband Larry Brown and their three sons and families, totaling 7 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren, a niece and nephew, Carol Harris Thompson and Dr. Chris Harris, who were reared in their home. She is also survived by her brother, Jack Clinkenbeard, and sister-in-law, Jean Clinkenbeard, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will be present from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, to greet friends at the funeral home. A Celebration of Lorene’s life will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 12, 2020 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Services entrusted to the care of Chapel Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens. www.chapelhill-okc.com
