Dorthy “Anne” Chockley, 80, of Beaver, Oklahoma, went home to her Lord and Savior on January 23, 2025, after a courageous 26-month battle with breast cancer. Born on August 7, 1944, to Eddie and Helen Brown in Beaver, Anne lived a life defined by faith, family, and a firm but loving classroom presence.

Anne’s life was a testament to what it means to love deeply and serve faithfully. Known by many names—Mom, Annie, Aunt Anne, Mrs. Chockley, Anne, and perhaps a few nicknames best left unprinted—her identity was firmly rooted in Christ and in her roles as a mother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jim Chockley, her parents, and her sister-in-law Rae Brown. She is survived by her son, Jim Valentine; her daughter, Dana Martin and husband Steve; her brother, Don Brown and wife Gay; her sister, Johnita Foster and husband Bill; five nieces and three nephews, a collection of great-nieces and great-nephews, and a growing set of great-greats she adored.

Anne was a proud Beaver resident for 66 of her 80 years, with brief detours to Waynoka, Topeka and Meriden. Wherever she went, her 5’2.5” frame (and yes, she would insist on the half-inch) commanded respect—especially in the classroom. Over the course of 47 years, Anne taught everything from 5th through 8th-grade subjects to PE, basketball, and high school psychology. Her teaching philosophy was simple: high standards, unwavering belief in students, and “The Look” sharp enough to slice through any nonsense. Ask any of her students, and they’ll tell you she was tough but fair—the kind of teacher who didn’t just teach; she invested.

Retiring at 74 didn’t slow her down. Her daughter refused to let her quit until she had something to run towards. She launched into a second career as “Annie,” babysitting her great-great nephew Rowlen, McCayla’s son, and continuing her lifelong investment in the lives of her extended family.

Anne’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. Raised in church, she accepted Christ as her Savior in junior high and never looked back. She shared her faith with everyone—friends, family, and sometimes, unsuspecting strangers. Her church family was her chosen family. Whether she was singing in the choir (a talent she credited to her momma’s musical DNA) or serving with the kitchen crew, Anne poured her heart into her church. And while her hair appointments often “coincidentally” conflicted with moving tables for church dinners, no one questioned her dedication.

Anne also brought a hearty dose of humor to our lives. One of her favorite stories involved her two-year-old self standing on the church steps after Sunday school, yelling to her dad, “Ready to go get ice cream?” That day marked the end of her skipping church, as her momma made sure the entire family would be attending from then on. The collection plate entertained her much throughout her childhood from making change in it, to thumping the bottom of it to sound like she dropped coins in, and to sending a request for reimbursement down the row to Momma…her orneriness was in great supply.

Anne lived with an eternal perspective, which is why today we can say with confidence that she’s in heaven, reunited with her Savior and loved ones who’ve gone before her. While her absence leaves an undeniable void, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy of love, faith, and humor that will carry on through all who knew her.

A viewing will be held Monday, January 27, 2025, at Clark’s Funeral Home from 11 AM to 7 PM with family present from 6-7 PM. Her Life Celebration Service will be held at First Baptist Church Beaver, Oklahoma, on January 28, 2025, at 2 PM where we’ll honor her life, share her stories, and, in true Mrs. Chockley fashion, try to stay on our best behavior—because you never know when that “look” might be watching.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a future educator scholarship for students from Beaver High School, ensuring Anne’s lifelong commitment to education and faith continues to bless others.

Alan Clark Funeral Services is in charge of the arrangements.