Florence Oleta Chambers Caskey, age 97, passed away August 3, 2017, at her home in Florence, Texas. She was born August 5, 1919, in Georgetown, Texas, to Robert and Florence Chambers. She attended elementary and high school, as well as Southwestern University, in Georgetown. She received the McKennon Scholarship and worked in the university library to pay her tuition. After a year and two summers of schooling she received her teaching certificate.
There was never any question as to what she was going to be: a teacher like those who had influenced her so greatly. Her first school was at Gravel Hill and consisted of one room, one teacher, with 8 grades. The school later consolidated with Florence Independent School District where she taught 5 more years.
Florence married George Raymond Caskey on August 6, 1940, in Florence, Texas. She put her teaching career on hold and was kept busy being a housewife and mother.
She decided to return to teaching when both her children were in school. A degree was now necessary to teach, so she returned to Southwestern and graduated in 1962. After graduation, she received a position with the Killeen ISD where she remained until retirement. She loved teaching and did so for 29 years.
Florence was a member of the National Education Association, Texas State Teachers Association, and Killeen Classroom Teachers Association. Besides teaching, she worked on textbook committees and prepared workshops on curriculum ideas, art, and bulletin boards for in-service programs. For 40 years, she belonged to the Parent Teachers Association, holding many offices in the organization and was selected as an Honorary Life Member of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers for her distinguished service. In 1976 she received the Killeen Classroom Teachers Association Bicentennial Human Relations Award. She was also chairman and a charter member of the American Business Women’s Association.
As a member of the Florence United Methodist Church and life member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service, Florence held just about every office in the church – other than pastor. She was church treasurer, historian, Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible school teacher, conference member and a church steward. Compiling the history of the church for the 100 year celebration was a task she took seriously and was proud to complete.
Florence was also civic-minded. As a member of the Williamson County Historical Society, she helped obtain historical markers in Florence. She served on the Friends of the Library board and belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, often helping with Friendship Days. She and George were past Florence Citizens of the Year.
A lady of many talents, Florence enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, baking, oil painting, gardening, fishing, and hunting rocks and arrowheads. Perhaps one of her favorite hobbies was button collecting. She was a proud member of the National Button Society.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, 5 sisters, and her husband.
She is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Sarah Knight (Ronny) of Florence and Joyce Respess (Richard) of Buda; 6 grandchildren, Angela Christianson (Greg) of Weir, Cindy Altom of Kyle, Molly Ingram (Mitch) of Driftwood, Rayne Knight-Zingelmann (Michael) of Bryan, Logan Respess (Caitlin) of Katy, and Leslie Gonzalez (Ric) of Walburg; 4 great-grandchildren, Lindsay Christianson, Noah Ingram, Dylan Ingram, and Blane Theeck. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 5, 2017 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Cook-Walden-Davis Funeral Home in Georgetown. Funeral service will be held Sunday, August 6, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Florence United Methodist Church, 302 E. Curry, Florence, Texas. Burial will follow at the Florence City Cemetery in Florence, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Chuck Calhoun, Douglas Baker, Lyndell Caskey, Bradley Caskey, Steve Caskey, and Tom Ed Atkinson. Honorary pallbearer will be Lee Roy Knauth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Florence United Methodist Church, PO Box 39, Florence, TX 76527.
Arrangements by Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628 (512)863-2564.
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