June 27, 1939 — February 22, 2025
Dortha Pat Bowles, a remarkable woman whose heart was as vast as the Oklahoma skies where she was born, left this world on February 22, 2025, in Fort Smith, Ark. She was born on June 27, 1939, to Emmitt Lawson and Velda Lawson of Panama, Okla., and her life traced the beautiful narrative of love, resilience, and family that anyone who met her could see immediately. Throughout her life, Dortha exemplified the virtues of hard work and dedication; she made her mark in the fields of California while nurturing a profound passion for cooking. Her kitchen was a sanctuary of warmth, where not just food was prepared but also love was shared, and deep connections were formed over meals served with the generous helping of her big heart.
Dortha was celebrated not just for her culinary skills but also for her ability to embrace life’s simplest pleasures. An avid fisherman, she found joy in casting lines into serene waters, relishing the tranquility it provided—a fitting reflection of the calm she brought to others’ lives. Her spirit flourished in her roles as a loving mother and grandmother. She poured her soul into caring for her children and grandchildren, making it her proudest accomplishment. Family visits brightened her days; they held her heart, and everyone who came across her knew she was all about them.
She is survived by her son, Karl Joe Davis, and her daughter-in-law, Teresa Davis, as well as her cherished daughter, Laura R. Millard, and son-in-law, Terry Millard. As she watches over them, she will forever be remembered and honored by her grandchildren: Melissa, Tina, Mark, Mashawnda, Latosha, Michael, Brittany, Shawn, Patrick, Amy, Cole, Lauren, Tyler, Brandon, and Bryan. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren who filled her with immeasurable joy: Allison, Rachael, Richard, Anthony, Stormy, Logan, Seth, Heidi, Bella, Riley, Liam, Kaelyn, Alex, Lindsay, Zayley, Chris, Zayden, Freya, Landen, Kymber, Jade, Edyn, Andi, and Carter.
Dortha was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brothers Bill, Jerry, Richard, and Snow Lawson. Her loss will be felt deeply by the children she mourned: Melinda, Charlotte, Mitch, Paul, Leslie, and the twin babies, along with grandchildren Clinton, Elaine, and Kristie.
Graveside services will be announced at a later date. The family of Dortha Bowles has entrusted Forever Memories Funeral Services with the arrange-
