Frances "Granny" Orene Thomas Hayner

Frances Orene (Granny) Thomas Hayner passed away quietly at the Baptist Village of Broken Arrow on Sunday, May 16, 2021. She was ninety-seven years old having been born on September 25, 1923. She will be greatly missed by her daughters Karren Rogers and Diane Taylor (Kent), granddaughters Kathy Keeling (Paul) and Kristy Newell (Dan), great-grandchildren Kit Keeling(Caroline), Kase Keeling, Karlie Newell (fiance Dylan Oney), Kale Keeling, Klaire Newell, step-grandchildren Nathan Taylor (Cara) , Amber Brewer (Billy) and Matthew White, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband, James Hayner; parents Walter Verlin and Roxie Lucy Hall Thomas and her siblings Oscar Thomas, (Dorothy), Agnes Ritchie (Arlis), Albert Thomas (Delores), Walter Jr.Thomas (Helen), Ardella Davidson (Gerald), Donald Thomas (Neoma) . Also preceding her in death was son-in-law Jimmy Rogers who was like a son to her. Orene was a long-time member of New Hope Baptist Church in Muskogee. She attended Riverside School grades one through ninth grade and graduated from Muskogee Central High School in May 1941. After a short courtship, she and James were married on July 5, 1941. Since he was in training with the 45th Thunderbirds Infantry Division, she then followed him to training camps in Lawton, Oklahoma; Abilene, Texas; Merkle, Texas; Shirley, Massachusetts; Camp Pine, Virginia; and Watertown, New York before he and her brothers were “shipped out” to Africa for the Invasion. She returned to Muskogee with her sister and sisters-in-law to live until “the boys” came home from the War in 1945. After the war the entire family of Thomas siblings bought homes in Muskogee and began raising their children as the next generation. Orene was a wonderful, loving, caring mother to Karen and Diane and was a hands-on stay-home mom taking active participation in PTA, school and church/Sunday School activities. She started working at Griffin’s Mfg. Co., in the Accounting Department and spent 30 years there until her retirement. At the age of 39, she became “Granny” when granddaughter, Kathy, was born followed by Kristy 5 years later. Kathy and Kristy gave her “her” wonderful great-grandchildren: Kit, Kase, Kale, Karlie and Klaire. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all her heart and was so very proud of each and everyone. After James’ death in 2007, she lived alone until she moved to live in Karren’s and Jimmy’s apartment so that she could be closer to family. After Jimmy’s death in 2016, and an extended illness, she moved to Assisted Living at Baptist Village in Broken Arrow until her death. Orene was a steadfast Christian who took her prayers and Bible readings seriously. Every one who came in contact with her loved her. She loved music, dancing, sewing, making quilts, and crocheting, and excelled in keeping a clean house which was important to her. She loved her square dance friends and enjoyed many fun times with them for several years. After her retirement she spent many afternoons with her special friend, Ellie, in shopping antique stores comparing what they already had with what was for sale in the shop. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude and appreciation for the love and care the staff at Broken Arrow Baptist Village bestowed upon Granny. They loved her and she loved them. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to contribute to a Memorial for her by sending to the following address: Adams Assistance Fund of Baptist Village Communities 3800 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112. Memorial services will be held at 2pm on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel in Muskogee, OK.

Frances "Granny" Orene Thomas Hayner

September 25, 1923 - May 16, 2021