Dolores "Dee" Butler

sister, friend, and partner. She left this world on February 18, 2022 at the age of 80.

Clifford and Leeta Bell Harris welcomed their first daughter, Dolores Anne Harris, in Hobart, OK on September 7, 1941. She was the third of six siblings who loved growing up on a lake dipping minnows, gigging frogs, and fishing. Dee was a competitive, hard worker who never sat still long. She was proud to have played defense in girls half-court basketball just like her grandmother, but knew she could handle the full court like her brothers.

Besides her competitive spirit, Dee was a lifelong learner, an avid reader, and a tireless teacher. She earned graduate degrees in American History and Counseling from Southwestern Oklahoma State University which led her to a distinguished career as an educator, challenging students in AP History to understand the causes and impact of the American Civil War. As a high school counselor, she was an advocate for students to find themselves and the path that fits their passions and talents. Dee was an engaging storyteller, a great listener, and a true friend.

Dee returned to her childhood love in retirement—Lake Life! Using skills learned as a

short-order cook in her teenage years, she was always ready to feed a crowd and entertain. In fact, when one came to visit you could count on some delicious fried crappie! She would jump at the chance to play black jack at the casino, go thrift store shopping, or travel anywhere for a ball game. Dee and Mary were devoted supporters of OU Women’s Basketball. They ultimately relocated to Norman to be closer to family and doctors, but mostly to be closer to OU Athletics!

Dee was preceded in death by her parents Clifford and Leeta Bell Harris, her beloved

son James Lavern Tanner, her brothers Jerry Harris, Jay Will Harris, Frank Harris and longtime partner Mary Bane. She is survived by her son and daughter-in- law, Robert and April Tanner of Weatherford, OK; brother Dennis Harris of Guntersville AL; sister Leeta Gayle Harris of Oklahoma City, OK. grandchildren Kevin Carter and his wife, Lesley; Jacoby Tanner and his wife, Jessy; Dayton Tanner and his wife, Danielle; Jahven Tanner, Jarrett Tanners, and Sunny Colston; six great-grandchildren Alexis, Brooklyn, Hadley, Ethan, Taegan and Olivia; one

great-great grandchild Tinsley and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation for Dee will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.

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