Othalene Holman

Mrs. Othalene Holman was born on January 15, 1930, in Claremore, Oklahoma. She was baptized at an early age at Bethel A.M.E. Church. Her educational background was completed at Lincoln, an elementary through secondary school, from which she graduated in 1948.
On December 26th of that year she received a special gift, Dennis Michael Alford, her only child. She began employment in varied careers and entrepreneurial endeavors: for many years she maintained a convenience store; she was a licensed cosmetologist for over 30 years in Tulsa, OK. She also worked at First National Bank of Tulsa as an accounting clerk for ten years. After retiring from the bank, she worked with special needs children for the Tulsa Public School District.
Othalene united in marriage with Wendell Holman and assisted him with raising his children. She was also actively involved in the care and nurturing of her grandchildren—-Nita Doakes, Roderick Doakes, and Le’Dene Alford. She was very proud of her son, Dennis, who followed in her footsteps by working in many careers: after graduating from Langston University he was a Secondary School Teacher; in Property Management in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Denver, Colorado, Compton, California, Los Angeles, California, and Palos Verdes, California; in Real Estate-purchasing his first property while still attending college-in Customer Relations at UPS; as a Loan Officer at a bank and at an Escrow Office just to name a few of his endeavors.
Her devotion to God was demonstrated in her service at Vernon AME Church in Tulsa with the Anna Brooks Unit of the Women’s Missionary Society, the Modern Day Workers and the Young People’s Division of the WMS. And after moving back to Claremore, she fervently supported many fundraising projects to aid Bethel AME Church and as a member of the Stewardess Board.
Mrs. Holman was also affiliated with a professional Cosmetology association and the Alumni Association of Lincoln School. She loved to travel and one of her favorite trips was when she visited Scotland.
One of her last ambitious endeavors was to move a house on a lot to provide a home where her son could retire.
Dennis and Othalene’s entire family wish to say thank you to all the family members, church members, and friends for visits, calls and correspondences. Special commendation and recognition of appreciation for all the efforts of Othalene’s Guardian Angel, Mrs. Brenda Chairs who provided physical care and emotional support for many years. Mr. Tommy Dowell is also owed gratitude for his brotherly support throughout the years. Last but not least Ruby Addison her dear sister.
Mrs. Othalene Holman transitioned from this life on June 7, 2016.
Her faith in God, her love of her family and friends and her church never waned. She was preceded in death by grandmother, Gussie Vann; grandfather, Gilbert Vann; mother, Maebelle Boyles; brothers: Jimmy Boyles, Paul Carbin and Joe Atison; and cousin, Mr. Wendell Holman.
She will be sorely missed by son, Dennis M. Alford.of Palos Verdes, CA; siblings: Wilker J. Boyles and wife, Ivy of Claremore, Bertha L. Boyles of Claremore, Jolene Boyles of Claremore, Clarissa Speight and husband, Ellsworth, of Oklahoma City, Roy L. Boyles of Claremore; grandchildren: Nita Doakes of Tulsa, Roderick Doakes of Tulsa, Le’Dene Alford of Tulsa; and great-grandchildren: Amariana Doakes of Tulsa, Amari Doakes of Tulsa, Josh Doakes of Tulsa; and a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.