Lorene Dees

Lorene Norsworthy was born February 4, 1939, in Wichita Falls, Texas to William and Reta (Solenberg) Norsworthy. She grew up in a lively household alongside three brothers, Billy, William, Johnny, and two sisters, Betty and Ruby where she forged lasting bonds with her siblings. Raised in Texas, she carried the values of her upbringing throughout her life, embodying resilience and warmth. Lorene met the love of her life Ira William Dees at a dance when she was fifteen. Soon after, Ira and Lorene got married in 1954 in Kyle, Texas establishing a beautiful life together raising two children, Terry and Sharon. They brought light to each other’s lives and thrived in one another’s presence. Lorene primarily took care of the home while her husband worked. While Ira’s job required them to move quite often, Lorene found joy in working for a fabric store in Corpus Christi, Texas and another in Midland, Texas for a short time. After retirement they bought an RV and traveled all over the United States exploring state parks, National Forests, fishing, as well as enjoying hunting exploits for crystals and diamonds. Also, after retirement, the couple enjoyed spending time and vacationing with their grandchildren. The two remained each other’s constant source of companionship for over sixty years until Ira’s passing in 2016.

In her youth she enjoyed bowling and was pretty good at it. It was said that Lorene could cook up a meal out of a can of beans. Later in life, Lorene enjoyed sewing and shopping on her “Buying Channel” also known as the Home Shopping Network. You could also find her playing on her iPad, visiting, drinking her coffee, and spending time with her family and friends. As a Christian by faith, Lorene was a kind and loving woman. She attended and was a member of Carter Baptist Church in Park Hill, Oklahoma for several years. In the later years of her life, Lorene found loving care and compassion at SkyWest Assisted Living Center in Amarillo, Texas, where she was surrounded by her dedicated nursing home family and staff until the end of her days. Throughout the tapestry of Lorene’s life one thread gleamed brighter than all others, the love she possessed for her family. This beautiful woman was called home November 20, 2024, in Amarillo, Texas surrounded by loved ones. She leaves behind a legacy of love, life, laughter, and inspiration.

Lorene is home now with her grandparents; parents William and Reta (Solenberg) Norsworthy; husband Ira William Dees of over sixty years; three brothers Billy Ray Norsworthy, William Norsworthy, and Johnny Norsworthy; two sisters Betty Stewart and Ruby Lawson.

Those left to carry on her legacy include her son Terry Dees and wife Dorothy of Emory, Texas; her daughter Sharon Alexander and husband Quinn of Canyon, Texas; four grandchildren Michael Wayne Dees of Georgetown, Texas, David William Dees and wife Ginny of Georgetown, Texas, Adam J. Alexander and wife Abigail of Canyon, Texas, and Alison Alexander of Lubbock, Texas; six great-grandchildren Shelby Dees, Evalynn Dees, Jacob Dees, Olivia Dees, Adaline Dees, Ainsley Alexander. She will be deeply missed by all.

A visitation for Lorene will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 West Delaware Street, Tahlequah, OK 74464. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Rd, Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma with Pastor Matthew Lawrence officiating.

Lorene will be laid to rest in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Road, Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma.