This week, we present Jeanie Daffern. Hello, my name is Jeanie Daffern. I was born in Madill to E.G. and Imogene (Armstrong) Bearden. However, my Dad was a farmer and my family lived in the Oklahoma [panhandle in a small town called Boise City.
After graduating from BCHS, I attended two years of college in Goodwell, Okla., at what was in 1963, Panhandle A&M College.
In July of 1965, I married my high school sweetheart, Gary Daffern. We were best friends and soulmates for the next 45 years.
Our married life began in Independence, Kans., where GaryranaShamrockService Station and I worked as a typistonamanualtypewriter for City Publishing Co.
I could actually type 110 words per minute (Not anymore). I was thrilled when the typing department was presented with electric, autocorrect tape typewriters.
In1971,wemovedtoSand Springs, Okla., as Gary had joined the OHP and that was our first assignment. We had one daughter and one son, our family was complete or so we thought. We were blessed with another son, now our family was complete.
We were transferred back to the panhandle, to Hooker, Okla., in 1973. During our years in Hooker, I served as a Girl Scout Leader, Softball Coach, Sunday School Teacher, Substitute teacher and internal coordinbator at home.
I also served on the Yucca Girl Scout Board, Hooker Schools Advisory Committee and the City of Hooker Advisory Group. I was humble awarded'WomenoftheYear 1981'. I also served as an organizer for the Texas County Relay for Life.
1996 was a surprising and challenging year as I was diagnosed with Stage IIIB invasive carcinoma breast cancer. At the time, I had just become a grandma to twin girls. My greatest fear was that I would not live to see them grow up. I now have eight wonderful grands from eight to 28 years of age.
After a surgical mastectomy and eight chemo treatments (each were 72 hours long) and three years of adjusting and healing, I began learning how to live my new normal life.
After working for the Electric Company for 23 years, I retired in 2008 (Gary had retired in 1996).
Gary and I were all set to travel and check off our bucket list boxes. We were so excited. However God said, 'NO, we will do it my way.' Gary was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2009. After losing him in 2010, my life was turned upside down.
I submerged myself in travel and have since gone on to see lots of countries as well as America. Some of my travels include Quebec, St. LawrenceBay,Ireland,Turks & Caicos, Hawaii, Key West, Everglades, also hot air balloon ride, skydiving, snorkeling, snow skiing, visiting old battle grounds, Plymouth Rock and zip lining.
In 2016, my children convinced me to sell our home in Hooker and move to Washita Point.
I have enjoyed being the 'Humorous Reader' for the Axillary and truly love all of my new friends. I AM HAPPY!
The District Board of Directors meets the first Thursday of the month at the Training/CommunityCenter at 10978 Parkview at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting will occur on May 4, 2023. All are welcome to attend.
The Texoma Fire District Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 10978 Parkview, just south of Rooster Creek Bridge at 1:30 p.m. with a social gathering at 1:00 p.m. The next meeting will occur on April 17, 2023. We look forward to seeing you.
The Exercise/Stretching classes are on Monday and Wednesdayat10:00a.m.and the Cards/Games are on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 12:40 p.m. Auxillary Members are welcome to join in the fun.
If you are interested in renting the Texoma Community Building, contact Gayla Freeman at 580-565-4043. She will get right back with you. The cost is $75 per day. You must be a member of the Texoma Fire District to rent the building.
The Lighthouse Methodist Church located at 4923 Alberta CreekRd in Kingston will provide a Wednesday evening meal from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Lighthouse Kids program for grade school children consisting of Bible stories, crafts and games is held each Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. prior to the evening meal.