Anna Lou McCarley

Anna Lou McCarley passed away Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at her home in Colbert, Okla. She was born in Durant, Okla. on August 12, 1932, to Roy Oscar Springer and Fannie Mae Springer.

As a girl, Anna enjoyed roller skating around Durant with friends, and had recalled all the fun she had going to see movies and working babysitting jobs for 25 cents a day. After graduating high school, Anna went on to achieve her degree at SOSU. During her time in college, she met the love of her life, Phil. In the time spent in Durant, they would go dancing frequently and claimed the song “Always” by Patsy Cline as their song. The two married August 8, 1952.

Anna and Phil went on to live in West Texas and eventually settled just north of Houston with their three children. This is where Anna opened her childcare center, Treehouse Farms. Her business thrived with more than 300 in and out each week until Anna sold to retire in Colbert.

She and Phil had an amazing group of friends and a lively social life in their later years. They frequently got together with a camping group who would meet up with their RVs. Games like dominoes and bridge were also a common occasion to meet up for, each week a different host. Anna still enjoyed playing games with her family and enjoyed several rounds of Skip-Bo and chicken foot just this Christmas.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Durant, where she made lifelong friendships with her Sunday School class and other members. She attended for decades until she was no longer able to drive on the highway but continued to be sent a devotional by the church secretary, Jill Wigington, which she loved.

In her older years, Anna could be found having breakfast at the Colbert Coffee Shop where the staff and regular group of coffee drinkers got to know and love their “Mrs. McCarley.” Another spot she frequented was the senior center where she loved to socialize with her friends during lunch. Anna loved to read–-finishing multiple books a week and watched Wheel of Fortune every night at 6:30. Most of all, Anna loved her family. Her dedication, generosity, and care will live on for generations to come.

Anna was preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy (Katie) McCarley; her two older brothers, Wendell and W.O. Springer; and her husband Phil, who she would have been married to for 70 years this year.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah (Beth) Fears and husband George Fears; son, Philip McCarley Jr.; granddaughters, Libby Fears, Nancy (Katie) Jones, and Kelsey Jernigan and her great-grandchildren Adam and Olivia Jernigan.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Durant, Okla., on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 at 2 p.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service.