BETTY OMA LEE DAWSON, 80, of Wister, died Monday, March 26, 2001, in Poteau. She was born Dec. 2, 1920. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Dawson was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include two sons, Virgil James and Clifford James, both of California; one sister, Ann Collins of Stockton, Calif.; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives and loved ones; and a host of beloved friends. No service is planned. Arrangements are under the direction of Evans and Miller Funeral Home of Poteau. J.L. BROWN, 70, of Simms, Texas, died Friday, March 23, 2001. Mr. Brown was born Aug. 22, 1930 at Blanco to John H. and Ollie Tomlin Brown. He was a minister and a retired real estate broker and contractor. He is survived by his wife Connie of the home; one daughter, Judy Carol Slack of Fort Smith; seven sons, Jon Brown of Cameron, Jimmy Brown of Pocola, Stan Miller of Muskogee, Kevin Miller and Brent Miller, both of Oklahoma City, Jared Brown of Simms and Jason Brown of Tulsa; two brothers, Douglas Brown of Altus, Ark. and Hulet Brown of Tulsa; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 27 at the First Church of God in Christ in Fort Smith with Elder Donald Cummings officiating. Burial will follow in Dustin Cemetery under the direction of the Mallory Funeral Home of Spiro. Pallbearers will be Gary Brown, Darrell Brown, Shawn Brown, Mark Brown, Ivan Cummings and Sam Cummings Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Billy James Hargis, Jack Watson, Ted Cline, Homer Johnson, and Rex Grady. THELMA LUCILLE REED, 76, of Panama, died Friday, March 23, 2001. She was born March 27, 1924 in Poteau. She was a homemaker and a Christian. She had been a resident of Panama for many years and was known and loved by many. Mrs. Reed was known for her delicious cooking and scrumptious desserts. She always knew a way into people’s hearts, not just by her one of a kind personality, but the way she made people smile. She will always be remembered in our hearts. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Reed. She is survived by two daughters, Jan Burke of Ohio and Gayle Griner of Norman; three grandsons, Billy Jack Wilson of Panama, Bryan Coats of Florida, Gabrial Futisha of Lexington; two granddaughters, Tina Coats of Ohio and Tia Coats of Oklahoma City; one brother, Verlon Cimino of Florida; one sister, Jewel Long of Atlanta, Ga.; and 17 great-grandchildren. The family will meet with friends and loved ones at Evans Funeral Home Tuesday evening, March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 28 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Jewel Long and Bryan Coats officiating. Burial will follow in Milton Cemetery under the direction of Evans and Miller Funeral Home of Poteau. Copyright © 2001