V Doris McAllister

V. Doris McAllister, 1923-2023. She was born on a farm in Mountain View, Oklahoma Kiowa County in 1923. The Oklahoma Dust bowl in a time where they did not have two pennies to rub together, a two-room house and when the wind blew and the dust storms came, the dust came thru the walls and windows.

She was an Okie, she lived thru the Great Depression, drought, sickness and the dust storms. She was frail because of diphtheria and Scarlett fever. She was the eldest of 7 with her being the last to be laid to rest.

As all of her brothers and sisters would attest, she ruled the house when her parents were gone to town, they called her little Doris. She would whip them all and tie them up till mom and dad got home. Her life to say the least has been an adventure. She never met a stranger anywhere in the world. She had lofty goals and she achieved all except two in her life. She wanted to live to be 200 and she wanted to outlive one of her ex-husbands which she did and at his passing she told me. Well, I outlive the ole SOB and laughed.

My mom was the original if you can dream it, all things are possible. She talked to God with respect but will full intent of her heart and knew without a doubt that angels and God existed. She was told that she could not have a child because her female organs were that of a five-year-old, but she brought two to term Keith and Kent. One kind and gentle and the other well let’s just say he was ornery.

She wanted a better education so at the age of 38 she went back to school to become a commercial artist. She went to Oklahoma State Tech with 2 kids and a dog and lived in one of the old converted barracks. She had $500.00 and a prayer. She said, that If Gods wants me there then he will provide. She carried a 3.95 average and graduated in 18 months. No money and no job after graduation, she moves to Oklahoma City, with two kids and dog in tow. Our family possessions were carried in a cattle truck. Most all was broken or with cow manure on them. She gave that guy a tongue lashing he would never forget as he hobbled away on crutches with her right behind him telling what she thought about his actions.

A quick story. We did not have any glasses because they had all been broken. There was a sell on Orange Marmalade jelly. A nickel each so she bought $2 worth and we ate orange marmalade jelly till I feel came out of our ears, but we had glasses now. She interviewed at every place that needed an artist but would not take any job unless it was art director. She interviews during the day and did portraits at night. She would cry at night thinking no one would see or hear but we did. She never gave up. And finally, she was offered a position as Art Director for Harlow Publishing company and never turned back. She went back to school at OU but left when the owner was hired for the Dean of Harvard. But she had done the art work, proof the books, layouts and fore pages in several books for the company. But Oklahoma was her home. Her achievements before college were beyond belief, life, work and sacrifice. The people she met and the people that she influenced are her legacy. As a teacher at Job Corp, she gave her heart to the girls and they in turn trusted her with their stories many would tear you heart out but the girls loved her and she loved them in return. And I believe that when the stories were brought out from the darkness the girls had peace because someone understood and they knew she loved them. Moms’ nieces and nephews she adored. Most all live in Oklahoma. So, many cousins like the stars in the sky.

She loves one and all and before she was unable to travel, she went to see them and their families and sent letters to all.

Her granddaughter and dear friends got to help prepare her for burial. This is a special moment in their heart and my gratitude.

A Rosary has been setup in for her from people who love her and have known her. What can you say about my mom, she led an incredible life and she enjoyed being alive and experiencing life. And she would stand up for what she felt was right no matter the cost. That was my mom V. Doris McAllister, Ms. Mac. My mom advice, “Never give up on your dreams.”

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