November 13, 1928 ~ April 13, 2020
On Monday, April 13, 2020, Lenora Dodd (Chisum) Barnes passed away at the age of 91.
Lenora was born on November 13, 1928, in Norman, Oklahoma to Clarence and Lily Dodd. She was, above all, a believer in Jesus Christ. She was a devoted mother and tireless cheerleader for her kids. Lenora was a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell and witnessed the switchboard as it “lit up like a Christmas tree” when WWII was over. Before digital photography and PhotoShop, she retouched negatives and made thousands of high school seniors’ photos flawless. She loved her pets, her flower gardens, jigsaw puzzles, Tennessee Ernie Ford’s voice, reading, and praying for unbelievers. She sang like an angel, had the outward beauty of Ingrid Bergman and the sunny disposition of Polly Anna. She will forever be remembered for her sweet spirit, easy laugh, abundant forgiveness, and unconditional love. Her gingerbread house won’t be forgotten either.
Although she suffered the heartbreak of losing her second son when he was four years old and her home to a tornado when living in Wichita Falls, TX, she was never bitter. She just clung to her faith. And when she was called, she joyfully ran through the gates of heaven and surely heard the words she longed to hear: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Lenora was preceded in death by her father, mother, sister Francis, son Paul, and ex-husband and friend, Milford Chisum. She is survived by her brother, Carl Dodd; sister, Pauleta Paine; sons, David (Kati, her amazing caregiver), Mark, Jon (Debbie) Chisum; daughter, Deborah (Steve) Neifert; grandchildren, Kara, Matthew, Stevie, Alyx, Tyler and RiAnne; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Due to the current order for social distancing, a limited-attendance service will take place Thursday, April 16, 2020, at 1:00pm. However, the service will be available to watch online from her obituary page.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Physician’s Choice Hospice.