Mary A. White

Mary was born January 16, 1939, in Healdton, Oklahoma to Paul Hughes and Ozella Mae Chatham. She spent her early years in Cyril before moving to Oklahoma City where she attended Northwest Classen High School.

Mary married the love of her life, Billy Ray White, on July 12, 1957. The couple made their home in Lawton and Oklahoma City before moving to Edmond, Oklahoma where they raised their 3 children, Teresa, James, and Allen. Bill and Mary enjoyed fishing, camping, often took their children and later grandchildren, on trips to Lake Texoma.

Mary worked for Western Electric for several years before earning her certificate in dog grooming. She opened her own shop, Mary’s Barking Lot, in Edmond, where she operated her business for 43 years until her retirement in 2015. Mary was known for her grooming skills and had many long-term customers who “only trust Mary” with their dogs. Her shop also became a hangout for grandchildren during summer break and sick days from school.

She was highly involved in the Oklahoma City Kennel Club where she taught dog obedience training hundreds of dogs (as well as their human counterparts!). It was thru the Kennel Club that Mary met many of her lifelong friends, including Karen and JoAnn. The trio traveled throughout Oklahoma and surrounding states earning top notch awards for their dog handling skills and showmanship. Some of Mary’s fondest memories were spent with Karen, JoAnn, and her beloved dogs.

She enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas to play the slots with her sister, Latrell. Her favorite trip was a “sisters’ trip” in which all her sisters (plus Aunt Lovie) were able to travel to Tennessee.

Mary was known her stern, but loving demeanor, her personalized hand stitched Christmas stockings for all her children and grandchildren, her Thanksgiving dressing and staying out late at the casino. Mary spent the last few years of her life living with her daughter, Teresa, who was her main caregiver.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Bill, of 48 years; her parents Paul Hughes and Ozella Mae Chatham; siblings William, Leon, Wayne, Glen, Lawrence, Delores, Debra, Lorie, Frances, Beatrice and Joyce.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Teresa Wendt, of El Reno, Oklahoma; sons James and wife Debbie White, of Edmond, Oklahoma and Allen and wife Angie White of Guthrie, Oklahoma; grandchildren Crystal, Candy, Shane, Brad, Derek, Bridget, and Mariah; one sister Latrell Ramos of Barstow, California; sister in law Connie Spencer of Rush Springs, Oklahoma; brother in law Ronnie White of Marlow, Oklahoma; 10 great grandchildren, plus a host of nieces and nephews and good friends, Karen and JoAnn.

Visitation for Mary will be held Thursday, January 19 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 20 at 2:00 PM with burial to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery, 1407 North Blvd, Edmond, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family as that a donation be made to the Oklahoma City Kennel Club or to the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baggerley.com for the White family.