Lillie Don "Dawna" McGuire O'Connell, 79, left this life peacefully on September 22, 2012, and is now reunited with her beloved Sweetheart. We know they are now rejoicing together in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

Dawna was born December 21, 1932, in Seminole, Oklahoma, to William Austin McGuire and Gladys Lucille Baker McGuire.

She attended school in Seminole and Maud, Oklahoma, before meeting Jim through a friendship between her sister, Betty, and Jim's mom, Charlie Mae. Dawna and Jim were married when she was only 16 on October 29, 1949, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Three children were born to this loving union.

Dawna truly enjoyed her role as an Air Force wife until Jim's retirement in 1968. They were transferred several times during Jim's military career, but Dawna's very favorite military years were spent in England. She loved the country and its people and maintained several life-long friendships that were formed while they were stationed there.

Dawna continued to support Jim in his career change after retirement from the Air Force and his many years at Deaconess Hospital. She loved volunteering with the Deaconess Hospital Auxiliary. Dawna was a wonderful homemaker and truly enjoyed hosting many functions. Whether the functions were for family, church, or friends, she made everyone feel very special. She was known as "the hostess with the mostess."

Jim and Dawna were always involved in the church. During Jim's military years, they attended the Protestant Chapels at the military bases they were assigned. After retiring to Oklahoma City, they became members of the First Free Methodist Church and later Crossings Community Church. Their church homes were of utmost importance to them and they formed many life-long friendships from both. One of Dawna's most cherished accomplishments was serving as a Stephen's Minister at Belle Isle/Crossings Community Church. She loved the individuals to whom she ministered and referred to them as her "heart-felt kids."

In addition to her parents, Dawna was preceded in death by her husband, James "Jim/Corky" O'Connell, and sisters, Audrey Jenkins and Betty Langford.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Myron Whish, sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Teresa O'Connell and Billy and Holly O'Connell, sister, Naomi Collins, grandchildren, Kim and Kelvin Rogers, Bryan and Stefanie Whish, Nick and Taylor O'Connell, Ashley Davis, Ryan O'Connell and Jake O'Connell, five great-grandchildren and numerous friends.

Dawna spent the last few years of her life in the Green Neighborhood, Flora Deen Martin facility at Epworth Villa. The family wants to thank the Epworth staff for their compassionate care, love and support she and her entire family received during Dawna's time there. They also want to thank Quality Life Hospice for helping with her transition into Heaven.

Memorials may be made in Dawna's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter, Inc., 6465 S. Yale Ave., Suite 312, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136-7804.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Prague Cemetery in Prague with Rev. Jeff Stewart officiating.