Doe Lockwood
Doris Marie “Doe” Lockwood, 88, the widow of the Rev. Russell W. Lockwood, died November 12, 2016. She was born August 10, 1928 in Tulsa OK to James Earl McDonald and May Fern Hill. Other than a four year temporary transfer to Puerto Rico, Doe was a lifelong resident of Tulsa.
She was married twice, the first time to G.T. Minnick in 1947. Children did not arrive right away, so she worked for Mcdonald Douglas as a supervisor while her husband worked at the D-X refinery. He built a boat and they explored the local lakes in their free time. When she finally did become pregnant, she hid the fact from her employer as long as possible because it meant she would have to leave her job.
Doe had three children, born in 1956, 1957, and 1958. Although her life was very busy with three young children and a house to manage, she turned to creative outlets, writing plays, skits, and songs. She also began exploring religion, finding the Presbyterian ideals she was raised with less than satisfactory. This search led her to All Souls Unitarian Church, which had just moved into a new building and was becoming more active under the dynamic leadership of Rev. John Wolfe.
Her husband did not accompany her as she grew into a deeper involvement with the church, and church became her refuge, central to her being. She was involved in the RE program for many years, some as Director. In the early 70’s the family moved to Puerto Rico, where her husband had a temporary assignment. Doe became involved in a variety of activities there, but was not interested in other overseas assignments when that one ended, so they returned to Tulsa. With the children leaving home for college, her marriage to G.T. ended in 1976.
Doe had resumed her activities at church and met the Rev. Dr. Russell Lockwood, who was the regional representative for the Southwest Unitarian Association, at the Southwest Summer Institute. Soon, everyone recognized that he was the true love of her life. They married in 1977.
Their lives continue to evolve in this new chapter together. She gave up her work at All Souls and they became members at Hope Unitarian Church. Soon she became involved in volunteer activities there. She and Russell built a lake house where they would often gather with friends. She took road trips with her close friends, exploring new places as she had with her children when they were young.
Russell died suddenly in 1988 and Doe grieved, supported by her friends. Eventually, with time and travel and the arrival of grandchildren her depression lifted. And she resumed a volunteer commitment, serving on the UURMaPA board until a few years ago.
Doe Lockwood is remembered for her commitment to and engagement with her church and the UU movement. At one time, she compiled a list of her activities, which included dozens of General Assemblies, District Conferences, Summer Institutes, and UUA committee appointments. She led workshops at these gatherings and for congregations across the nation. But she listed as her Most Important Accomplishment the hundreds of casseroles she had prepared for the bereaved.
Throughout all these active years she most loved writing and producing skits for her churches, the UUA, and Summer Institute. And she loved singing the hymns.
A memorial service for Doe was held at Hope Unitarian church on December 10, 2016. It began with an open acknowledgement that she had often told people she didn’t want a memorial service, but taught that sometimes rules needed to be broken.
Doe is survived by her children: Brian Minnick, Lee Ann Cole, and Lorrie McLaughlin; three stepchildren, William Lockwood, Marion Lockwood, and Richard Lockwood; and five grandchildren.
Messages of condolence may be sent to Lee Ann Cole, 2224 E 5th Pl, Tulsa OK 74104 or by email to lacole527@gmail.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Unitarian Church, 8432 S Sheridan Road, Tulsa OK 74133, or to the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless, or the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.