Ethel Neoma Horner

Ethel Neoma (Doran) Phillips Horner was born to Alexander Judd and Lillian Frances (Stroud) Doran on May 9, 1905 at Cherryvale, KS and departed this life in Lawton, OK on February 10, 2012 at the age of 106 years, 9 months and 1 day. Ethel came from Missouri with her family at the age of 2. She grew up southwest of Walters, graduating from high school in 1923. She then went on to attend Central State College in Edmond where she received her teaching degree. She taught school for 45 years in the Ryan, Walters, Hastings, Empire and Geronimo schools. She married John Lloyd Phillips at Chickasha, OK in 1933 and he preceded her in death on May 8, 1980. She later married Arlie Monroe "Shorty" Horner on June 4, 1988 at Walters and he preceded her in death on April 17, 1990. She was also preceded in death by 3 sons, Raymond, Ferrell and Wayne Phillips; a sister Vivian Meredith; and 2 brothers, Chester and Glenn Doran. Ethel was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, serving as head of GA's and Mission Friends for many years and at the age of 76 began a 20 plus year term as the WMU Director for the church. She was also a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Cotton County Art Council and the Oklahoma Ret. Teachers Association. She enjoyed gardening, painting, sewing and crafts in general. She has maintained her home in Walters all these years, though living at The Village on Lee for several years and more recently Cedar Crest Manor. She is survived by 1 son, Elvin Phillips of Lawton; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; numerous great-great grandchildren; other many relatives and friends.