Lois June (Nicely) Austin passed away on December 24, 2024, under the care of Mercy Hospice at the age of 91.
She was born on June 29, 1933, in Payson, Oklahoma. Her parents were William and Beulah (Moffit) Nicely.
Lois was the fourth of six children. She grew up in Meeker and attended Central State University, earning her Bachelor’s degree in 1955, and went on to complete a Master’s degree from OU. She served at several Oklahoma City public schools as a teacher, assistant principal and later principal. She dedicated her career to the education, advancement and well-being of children. She retired in 1987 after 32 years as an educator.
During her early teaching years at Western Village Elementary, she met Betty Shedrick, who also taught there. They quickly became friends and decided to become roommates. This was the start of a friendship that lasted 55 years until Betty’s passing in 2020. Lois andBettycouldalwaysbefoundtogethervolunteering thousands of hours at the Baptist Hospital gift shop and Brit-Vil Food Pantry, organizing rallies and visiting several local RV camps as charter members of the Happy OK Wanderers Motorhome Club, tailgating and cheering on OU as season ticket holders and were loyal members of the Village Baptist Church. They loved to travel. Theyvisited family and friends across the USA, took multiple cruises, traveled overseas to the Holy Land and had a fantastic European vacation. Lois was always willing to tag along on whatever project or event Betty was involved in, and later, Frances asked her to attend. Lois considered Frances Bornemann, DeAnnAtallah & ChandaWilliams to be honorary family members, and they surrounded her with love and care throughout her life and final days. She is preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers and by her sisters Verna Lee and Leona. She is survived by her brother Bernard and his wife Rosemary, Weatherford, TX, numerous nieces and nephews, and additional honorary Shedrick family members. She will always be fondly remembered as Sweet Ol’ Lois to the Atallah and Williams families. Amemorial service and scattering of her ashes will be held on Saturday,April 5, at the New Hope Cemetery in Meeker, OK. Please contact Frances Bornemann (bfbok2ca@att.net) for additional details.