Sammie Sue Dunn

Sammie Sue Dunn (Streetman) was born on October 31, 1941, in Kilgore, Texas, to Ripley and Juanita Streetman (Shankles). She passed peacefully surrounded by her daughters and grandchildren. Sammie was born on Halloween. She embraced the day with pure delight. Each year, she welcomed neighborhood children with her whimsical “Book of Spells” candy book, delighting in handing out treats the children eagerly looked forward to year after year. Sammie spent her school years in Liberal, KS, Elk City, OK and Plainview, TX, before graduating from Del City High School, OK, where she proudly earned her varsity letters in both tennis and debate.

Sammie’s father, Rip, tenderly called her by the nickname “Bowtie”, a term of endearment that she cherished. However, the nickname that brought her the most joy, was, “ Grammie Sammie”. A term coined by her granddaughter Jessica that all of the grandchildren lovingly adopted.

Through her dear brother-in-law Eddie Walker, Sammie met and married Kenneth on May 22 1965. He preceded her in death after 49 loving years together. So strong was their devotion for each other, she had the inscription, “Love Forever True” placed on their cemetery plaque. Sammie began her professional career at First National Bank. She later worked at KFNB Radio Station, holding her first class radio license, then Aero Commander Aeronautics. The majority of her career was spent as co-owner of K&E Electronics with her husband, Kenneth. Her most cherished job being that of Mom to three daughters. Besides her unending gentle kindness, her girls remember fondly of her singing and playing folk songs on acoustic guitar to them. Most often it was the Irish Ballad, “Molly Malone” as well as, “Tom Dooley”, from her favorite band, The Kingston Trio.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Sammie was a lifelong member of St. Francis Catholic Church, where she previously served in the altar society and other charitable groups supporting the community. Her devotion to her faith guided her daily life as demonstrated through her words and actions which inspired those around her.

Generous with her time and talents, Sammie served as PTA president and classroom mom at James Monroe Elementary and Rosary Catholic School as well as a CGSAA Athletic Association President. She also happily led several Camp Fire Girls troops. A voracious lifelong reader, her intelligence and love of learning shone through in her conversations—especially when it came to history, one of her favorite subjects. Her family will forever remember her quick wit, her intelligence, and her love of games—especially her fondness for the game show, Jeopardy!, a skill at which she excelled at. No one was surprised when she made it to the local finals to appear on the show.

Along with her intelligence, her natural grace and beauty were also recognized in her youth, when she was named first runner-up in the Miss OKC Pageant.

Sammie is survived by her three loving daughters, Kimberly (James), Stephanie, and Christina (John); her seven grandchildren—Jessica, Aaron, Brandon, Sarah, Payton, Eric, and Miles—who brought endless joy to her heart. She also deeply cherished her nephews, Gary and Mark Walker, who showered their aunt with kindness and love over the years. To Sammie, Gary’s daughters, Ava and Violet, were like grandchildren of her own. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ripley and Juanita, her sister Nita Jean Walker, brother Ronnie Streetman and her husband of 49 years, Kenneth. Also, the countless dogs she rescued and loved since her childhood, including but not limited to her many beloved dachshunds who will meet her on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

We will miss Sammie dearly, but we take comfort in knowing she is joyfully reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her.