Dora Pearl Abney

Pearl Abney age 90, of Wayne, OK passed away Friday, May 31, 2019 at Purcell Municipal Hospital. Dora Pearl Abney was born on April 23, 1929, in Lexington, Oklahoma. She was the 9th of 10 children born to Everett Preston Smith and Iva Virginia (Glasco) Smith. Pearl was raised a country girl learning how to work hard. Growing up she attended Wayne schools and when it was farming season, she worked in the cotton and broomcorn fields. At a young age of 17, Pearl married R. J. Abney of Wayne on July 3, 1946. Together they raised four children, Danny, Jerry, Lynda and Nancy. Pearl and R. J. first made their home in Wayne, then in 1953 they moved to Taft, CA where R. J. worked in the Oil Field. After being gone from Oklahoma for eight years, they returned home to Wayne in 1961. For the past 57 years, Wayne has been her home until recently, she moved to Westbrook Gardens in Purcell. Pearl worked many years for the University of Oklahoma as a Cashier in the school cafeteria. She later worked many years for Wayne Public Schools in their cafeteria, and worked there until she retired. While living in Wayne, Pearl was a longtime member of the Wayne Baptist Church. For years she helped with vacation bible school and helped served on the hospitality committee. Pearl loved spending time in the outdoors, working in her flower garden and around her yard. She and R. J. also loved going camping and fishing with their kids and grandkids. Pearl will be remembered as a wonderful cook and a giving person. She loved to bless others with her cooking and baking. She will be greatly missed by her family and her friends. She was preceded in death by: Husband, R. J. Abney on June 10, 2010. Six sisters, Viola Smith, Margie Abney, Evelyne Summers, Ruth Moore, Lavitta Abney and Bessie Dockery. Three brothers, Bill Smith, J. P Smith and Claude Smith. She is survived by: Four children, Danny Abney and his family of OKC, Jerry Abney and wife Diane of Purcell, Lynda Hendricks and husband Ray of Blanchard, Nancy Herndon and husband Jeff of Pauls Valley. 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren Many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Graveside funeral services will be 10:00am Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell. Officiating will be Rev. Terry Erwin. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home, Purcell. Send online condolences @wilsonlittle.com.