Mattie Lou (Nichols) Lawless

Nov 6, 1928 - Oct 4, 2017
Posted by: Janet Laubhan Flickinger

 

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Mattie was a lifetime resident of Pushmataha County.  She graduated from Antlers High School in the class of 1946, went directly to Oklahoma State University and graduated in 1950 with a bachelor of science in small business degree.  Upon graduation she accepted a position with the Gas Service Company in Bartlesville, Oklahoma as a home economist.  Later, she served in the same capacity with the Cooperative Extension Service in Pushmataha County.  During this time, she organized the Farmers Market Incorporated and which proved profitable for the rural homemakers.

For 5 years Mattie worked as a case worker for the Pushmataha County Department of Human Services.  In those days the case worker went to the client’s home and was responsible for all persons living there from the cradle to the grave.

In 1982 Mattie received a master’s degree in elementary education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.  For the next 22 years she taught in the Antlers public schools.  The directing of drama for the 5th and 6th grade students was the highlight of each year and was the most fun thing for her and the students.  Pictures of the students now hang in the Vegher Building hallway.

She liked lawn work and took great pride in her yard. As a member of the Methodist Church, she was ever present and active in all facets. Mattie was the church’s delegate to Annual Conference for over 20 years. She was pleased and proud to serve and missed only 2 times. She loved this opportunity and never lost enthusiasm for it.

Mattie was a member of the National Education Association, Honor Society in Education, Pushmataha County Association of Retired Educators, Oklahoma Reading Council, and Southeastern Reading Council. She has served on the local Reading Textbook Committee, Staff Development Committee, and teacher representation on the School Grading Policy Committee. She was chosen Regional Teacher of the Year in 1984. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Gamma State Chapter: Kappa Delta Pi, Zeta Chapter. This society promotes professional and personal growth of women educators at SOSU.

Mattie was a very long-time member of the Twentieth Century Club, said to be Antlers oldest club. She served two terms as president, as well as some time in all other capacities. She also served on the local hospital board for six years, and enjoyed her travels in Europe and numerous other places abroad.

Mattie was preceded in death by her parents; husband and father of her children, Lee Clymer in 1977; the Rev. Doyle Lawless Sr., her husband of twenty-three years; brother-in-law, Glenn Emerson; and four beloved cousins, Preston, Mary, Ann, and Irma.  Also, pre-deceased was her step-son Gary Clymer.

She is survived by her sister, Noma Jean Emerson of Oklahoma City; three sons: Dr. William Edward Clymer of Pawnee, Oklahoma, Jeffrey Nichols Clymer and wife Shari of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Dr. Eric Keven Clymer and wife Christine of Naperville, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Wesley, Amanda, Kelsey- children of son Ed; Arthur and Sarah- children of Jeff; Allison and Benjamin’ – children of Eric; nine great grandchildren: Cade, Mason, Claire, Sophie, Kayden, Dorcas, Spencer, Cheyenne and Gracie. Also surviving are three step-sons: Larry Clymer and Doyle & James Lawless; plus, a host of relatives, caretakers Debbie Taylor and Mary Lou Nelson, friends, colleagues and her beloved congregation of the First United Methodist Church of Antlers, Oklahoma.

A private family graveside service for will be held Sunday October 8, 2017 at the Oddfellows Cemetery.

A memorial service for her family and friends will be held at a later date. 

Viewing will be Saturday from 12 pm to 5 pm at First United Methodist Church in Antlers, Oklahoma. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made directly to Forest Heritage Center, P.O. Box 157, Broken Bow, Oklahoma 74728, Phone 580-494-6497 and please write in memory of Mattie Clymer- Lawless.