Flora Mayes

Flora Belle Mayes, 98, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on November 17, 2010 after a brief illness. She died at home surrounded by her family. A longtime Perry resident, she and her husband, Leonard, have resided in Dallas with their daughter and soninlaw for the past six years. Flora Belle was born on September 2, 1912, in Pleasant Valley, OK. She was the seventh of ten children born to F.L. and Ellen Dickson. One brother, William, died at age two before Flora Belle was born. Her parents, brother, Reuben and sisters, Louise, Mary, Rosa, Cora, Florence and Zona preceded her in death as adults. Flora Belle graduated from Guthrie High School where she was a member of the debate team. After graduating from Central State Teachers College in Edmond with a teaching certificate, she taught grades one through eight in the oneroom Orchard Center School in Logan County. On Christmas Day, 1933, she married Leonard Mayes and they established their first home in a oneroom log cabin across the road from her school. They later moved to Guthrie where Leonard was employed and, on Flora Belles 29th birthday, they moved to Perry where they had purchased the Western Auto Store. She devoted herself to being a fulltime homemaker until their two children were in school. She then served as bookkeeper for the business in addition to assisting with sales and other responsibilities. They operated the store for 31 years. Upon moving to Perry, Flora Belle joined and became an active member of the First Baptist Church. In 1943, she organized and managed the churchs first Cradle Roll nursery. She later served in the Womens Missionary League, was General Secretary of Sunday School, taught in the childrens primary and intermediate departments and was church clerk for several years. She was also active in the Perry Study Club, the Congenial Twelve Club and as a Cub Scout leader. Flora Belle was an excellent cook. Struggling to work her way through college during the Great Depression, she often went hungry. She remembered this experience throughout her life and was always willing to share her cooking with friends, neighbors and those in need. After she and Leonard sold their business, she enjoyed traveling in their motor home, reading, crocheting and quilting. Her children and grandchildren have treasured quilts that she made especially for them. A woman of strong, Christian faith and quiet, constant prayer, her favorite scriptures were Psalm 121:18 and 1Thessalonians 5:1618. She loved and was devoted to her family and always considered their needs before her own. Flora Belle is survived by Leonard, her husband of 77 years son and daughterinlaw, Byron and Corky Mayes daughter and soninlaw, Elaine and Craig Fowler grandchildren, Pamela Zumwalt, Dina and Scott Anderson, John and Tori Fowler greatgrandchildren, Zach and Stephanie Zumwalt, Kaylen and Kristen Anderson, Michael and Lilly Fowler greatgreatgrandchildren, Devon and Bailey Zumwalt sister, Leone Hipsley sisterinlaw, Aleen Dickson many nieces, nephews and friends. She is and will continue to be deeply missed. Services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 22, 2010 at BrownDugger Funeral Home in Perry under direction of BrownDugger Funeral Home. Her nephews, Rev. Robert Park and Rev. William Park, will conduct the service. Burial will be at Grace Hill Cemetery. Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation is invited to consider the First Baptist Church in Perry or a charity of their choice in care of BrownDugger Funeral Home, 1010 N. Seventh St., Perry, Oklahoma 73077. Online condolences may be sent to the family using the online guestbook at www.brownduggerfuneralhome.com.