Joyce Ann Ware Doolin
In my own words
Joyce Ann Ware Doolin, I was the third child of the late Odess and Hazel Parrish Ware born in Meridian, Oklahoma on September 19, 1940. Early in my life I professed a hope in Christ and joined the St. Paul Baptist Church in Meridian, Oklahoma under the leadership of Rev. Burleigh. I graduated from L'Overture School in Meridian, Oklahoma where I was feisty, energetic and an outspoken student. My parents made the decision that I would attend Guthrie High School with my sister, Sarah and our cousin Carolyn. We were the first African American to integrate Guthrie High School. I went on to continue my education at Langston University, Langston, Oklahoma where I earned an Associate Degree in cosmetology. I was proud of my accomplishment until my father informed me that I had not spent enough time at Langston to get a college degree. I returned to Langston University, earned my Bachelor degree in Elementary Education in 1964. I received my Master of Education.
I married my high school sweetheart, R. A Doolin in 1960. We were blessed with two children Kenneth Dwayne and Devra, making our home in Evanston, Illinois. I began my teaching career in Chicago Public Schools, as an elementary school teacher, and transferred to District 65 Consolidated Schools where I taught 4th grade at Lincoln and Oakton schools in Evanston, Illinois. I earned my Master of Education in Reading and became a Reading Specialist. I am proud of the 42 year dedicated to teaching children and retired from Evanston Public Schools in 2005.
I joined Second Baptist Church in Evanston where I served as Deaconess and sang in the Sanctuary Choir.
After my retirement volunteered in the "Soup Kitchen" weekly to serve the homeless and needy families. I was active in my community and politics. In Evanston, we enjoyed spending time with Venora, Lafayette, Margaret, late uncle A.W. and Aunt Dorothy Bishop and friends in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In October 2013, I relocated to Oklahoma City and purchased a home across the street from my baby sister Vonnie and her husband, Al Roberts. Best neighbors you could have! I continued my love of gardening. Renewed my membership with my church, St Paul Baptist, Meridian, Oklahoma. One of my many joys was being in Oklahoma City and being included in the preparation of our 4th Sunday Family Dinner.
I was preceded in death by my parents Odess and Hazel Parrish Ware, a sister Sarah Ware Hathorn; brothers-in-law, Vernon L. Rider and Opio Toure. I met wonderful man, Ernest Outlaw, a talented musician who I shared my life with for over 16 years who passed away in 2003.
I am survived by my two loving and devoted children, Kenneth Dwayne Doolin ( Chicago, IL,) and Devra Lynn Doolin (Hamden, Connecticut); my brother George W. Ware (Tulsa, OK); eight sisters, Venora (Lafayette) McKinney (Milwaukee, WI); Opal Fox (Long Beach, CA); Margaret (Alphonso) Gentle (Jonesboro, GA); Rafael (Stanford) White; Laverne W. Broiles; Lula ( late Vernon L.) Rider, Linda Ware (late Opio) Toure; Vonnie Ware (Alvin) Roberts; Mae Williams (Stewart); brothers-in-law, George (late Sarah)Hathorn and Williams Broiles; Sr.; on Uncle, Joseph Ware, Sr. My special companion, Ernest, added two daughters Monica Walker and Barbara Outlaw, son-in-law, and a grandchildren Joelle Walker. Special friends Delores Stephens, Jewell M. Cook and Donnell Davis. I shared my birthday with nephews Michael and Marcus Ware and great-nephew Justin Broiles and cousin  Carolyn Mack Johnson. Moving to Oklahoma City gave me the pleasure of celebrating numerous family events and dinners with my nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Love You More!





"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare
a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that
where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the
way ye know". John 14:1-4