CHAMBLESS, Mildred J.

Mildred Jean Chambless of Frisco, Texas, died on December 26, 2011. She was 86. Known as Jean to her family, friends, and colleagues, in her lifetime she was a devoted servant of God; a pianist, organist, and singer; a professional hospital administrator; a caretaker for shelter dogs; and a source of strength for her family and of counsel for her nieces and nephews. Ms. Chambless was born March 28, 1925, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to James Gainor and Mildred Mathews Chambless. She was the oldest of five children, followed by sister Audrey, brother Stephen, and sisters Geneva and Gai. She attended Chickasha High School, graduating in 1943, and then attended Oklahoma College for Women and earned a degree in chemistry. She later earned a masters degree in hospital administration from Saint Louis University. After college Ms. Chambless entered the Order of St. Francis and served as a nun for more than 10 years. Upon leaving the convent, she had a long career as a hospital administrator for several companies, managing hospitals in Missouri, Illinois, Arizona, and Texas. A talented musician, Ms. Chambless played the piano and organ, and she served as accompanist for churches she attended. She also sang in church and community choirs. She was an avid traveler and enjoyed visiting other countries and cultures on tours and cruises. Over the years, Jean had several faithful companion shelter dogs, including Duff, Jingles, Frosty, Terry, Snitter, and Cookie. All were pampered and grew well accustomed to having regular treats. Her singular legacy is all the family and friends whose lives she touched and influenced in so many ways. All are grateful for her companionship and her memory. Ms. Chambless was preceded in death by her sister Geneva Trott and brother Stephen Chambless, and is survived by sisters Audrey McClellan of Little Elm, Texas, and Gai Jones of Ojai, California; ten nieces and nephews; and eleven grand nieces and grand nephews. Services will be held Monday, January 2, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at Slay Memorial Funeral Center, 400 South Highway 377, Aubrey, Texas 76227 (940-365-7529). Burial will also take place on Monday, January 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Rosehill Cemetery in Chickasha, Oklahoma, where Ms. Chambless will be laid to rest next to her mother and father. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in the name of Mildred Jean Chambless to the Mildred Mathews Chambless Family Scholarship Fund, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Alumni Association, 1727 West Alabama, Chickasha, Oklahoma 73018-5322 and to the Humane Society of Flower Mound, 1601 Arrowhead, Flower Mound, Texas 75028.