Dimple Wathena Kemp

Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Oklahoma

Dimple Wathena Kemp

Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Oklahoma

Dimple Wathena Kemp a resident of Pantego, Texas and beloved family member passed from this life on Monday, December 21, 2015 at the age of 87 years 11 months and 11 days. She was born on Tuesday, January 10, 1928 in Van Zandt County, Texas to Jesse Clarence and Lucinda (Miracle) Goode. Dimple Goode married Otto Eugene Kemp in Wichita Falls, Texas October 7, 1947.

Mrs. Kemp is survived by her son, Michael Kemp, MD and wife Kathy of Poteau, Oklahoma; daughter, Cindy Lou Hodges and husband Richard of Arlington,Texas; sister, O'Doska Jane Rogers of Calera, Oklahoma; grandsons, Stephen N. Hodges and wife Lieu Tran of Arlington, Texas, Jesse Michael Kemp and wife Cindy of Edmond, Oklahoma and Justin Blaine Kemp and wife Amanda of Edmond, Oklahoma; great-granddaughters, Allyx Renae Kemp, Alina Faye Kemp and Evelien Claire Hodges; Sisters-in-law: Janice Goode, Randlett, Oklahoma and Grace Newgard, Burkburnett, Texas and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mrs. Kemp was preceded in death by her parents, J.C. and Lucinda Goode; husband, Otto E. Kemp; brothers, Robert H. and Jesse A. Goode; and sister, Lucile Carter.

Born a "buttons & bows" kind of girl, Dimple blossomed into a beautiful lady that enjoyed the simple things in life: bird watching, strolling through a park, working in her flower beds, and spending time with friends and family. She was not afraid of hard work and believed that a penny saved was a penny earned. In her early years of home-making, she designed and sewed clothes for herself and Cindy, canned fruits & vegetables from her own garden, and excelled in baking coconut and chocolate meringue pies. The meringue pies became her signature desserts as well as her chocolate cake with white fluffy icing. Dimple enjoyed reading historical fiction and loved telling stories of her childhood. As marriage and children entered her life, her childhood dream of becoming a nurse got side-tracked, but she took great pride in the fact that her son Mike became a successful family physician. She knew in her heart that making him study and do his homework would one day pay off, and indeed, it did. Not having a chance of her own to develop her musical talent, Dimple was determined to provide an opportunity for her daughter Cindy to take music lessons. Her determination and discipline kept Cindy practicing the piano, and that, also, paid off since Cindy became a professional musician. "Grandmother", "Nanny" and "Great Grandmother" were titles that brought big smiles to Dimple's face. First came three little boys: two with blond hair and blue eyes, one with dark hair and green eyes. They grew up to become fine young men who searched the world and found their true loves: intelligent, beautiful young women who become their wives. And then, there were three more. This time they were little girls: two with blond hair and blue eyes, one with dark hair and dark eyes. The last few years highlight Dimple's courage and resilience. With repeated health crisis, she surprised doctors and medical teams with her strength, stamina, and steadfastness. She became case studies for many doctors and nurses as they studied and learned about her complicated medical conditions. Because of her health issues many physicians became better doctors. Many nurses learned a new kind of compassion. Because of Dimple's suffering, especially her children learned. They learned what courage truly is. They witnessed that courage is perseverance: courage is resilience. Courage is a raging fear that one faces. Courage cannot be given to someone: it comes from within. But it can be taught by example. Indeed, it was taught by a curly, blond headed little girl who grew up to become a beloved woman, a woman who loved the simple things in life... birds, friends and family. Her name was Dimple Wathena. Her kids called her "Mama."

Visitation will be Saturday and Sunday at the Holmes ~ Coffey ~ Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Oklahoma. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, December 28, 2015 at the Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home Chapel in Durant, Oklahoma with Bro. Jesse West officiating. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Randlett, Oklahoma.

Family and friends may send online condolences and view tributes at www.holmescoffeymurray.com.

Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Oklahoma.