Florene Vanzant

Florene Nuckolls Vanzant, 76, of Claremore, died Monday, doing what she loved. Her day began like any other and she was in good spirits when she went outside to work in her garden. Florene's passing was unexpected, but her family and friends are thankful for the love and laughter she brought into their lives.

Florene was born in Pryor on December 28, 1940, to Nancy Lorene Harless Linville and Rufus Harless. She spent her life in Northeast Oklahoma, surrounded by family.

Throughout her life, Florene was known for her kindness and her effervescent smile and personality. Her graciousness was extended to all, and she had the innate ability to make everyone feel welcome in her home and in her heart. As a young girl, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. This was the beginning of her deep faith in Jesus Christ.

Florene is survived by her daughter Cathy Smith, of Claremore; step-daughter Phyllis Snyder and her husband Bill, of Claremore; grandchildren Bill Snyder, and wife Deni, of Dallas, Texas; Susan Snyder Salamat, husband Jacob and their children Marlee, Pamela, and Denham George of Broken Arrow; Nichols Smith and Chase Smith of Claremore, and a sister, Carolyn Sue Stogsdill, of Grove. She was also a beloved and favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years James “Junior” Nuckolls and, later, Herschel Vanzant, as well as step-daughter Pam Nuckolls, and brothers, Kenneth Harless, George Harless, James Harless, and Charles Harless, and sisters, Kathryn Tharp, Mary Williams, Lucille Williams, and Shirley Marsh.

Florene moved to Grove with her sister, mother, and stepfather J.R. Linville in the 1950s. She attended Grove Public Schools and graduated in 1959.

She worked for Dr. N.A. Cotner, Dr. Dennis Deakins, and Dr. Roland Bland for almost two decades before moving to Claremore in 1994. A gifted vocalist, Florene led the song services for many years at the Grove Assembly of God Church, and later joined the Grove First Baptist Church. In Claremore, she was a member of First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church's Senior Adult Ministry.

View and sign Florene's online trubute at www.mmsfuneralhomes.com .