Janet was born May 31st, 1947, the daughter of Ray and LaVeta Vinyard. She was a lifelong resident of Altus, and attended Eugene Field Elementary, Central Junior High, and Altus High School, where she graduated in 1965. After graduation, she attended Altus Junior College, earning an Associate of Arts Degree.
During the summer of 1965, Janet was hired by KWHW Radio Station over and manager, Frank Wimberly for a part-time job doing clerical work. It was during that time that Mr. Wimberly also hired a young fellow from Bristow, Oklahoma for announcing and copy-writing. Janet and Keith worked in the same room and became acquainted. He decided he would like to get to know her better and got up enough nerve to ask her out for a date. It so happened that she had to decline because she got a piece of metal in her eye and had to have it removed. She was not going on a date with an eye patch!
It was a couple weeks later that he called her again and she said yes. Their first date was at the Plaza Theater in Downtown Altus, where they saw the original "Batman" movie. After that they began to see each other regularly and fell in love. Janet and Keith decided to "be engaged to be engaged" for a year. They officially became engaged on June 22, 1967. They were married June 22, 1968.
That first year, Janet commuted to Southwestern Oklahoma State University with some of her friends. They were all Elementary Education majors. Ironically, Janet did not even have to be interviewed for a teaching position at Altus. Superintendent Clifford Peterson visited Roosevelt Elementary School where Janet was doing her student teaching. Mr. Peterson told Janet "I believe we could use you next year." After that, Janet embarked in a teaching career that spanned 34 years. All at Roosevelt Elementary.
Janet loved children and wanted them to learn and grow up and become "Good Citizens." That love for children grew even greater when Keith and Janet welcomed their two children- Bo and DeJay.
Janet was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and enjoyed helping young women in the Miss Altus Pageant. Janet accepted Christ as her savior as a young girl. She taught Sunday School Classes-children and adults, and worked with her husband, Keith, in Sunday evening church training. She was also a member of the church choir and television ministry. Janet and Keith often talked about the enjoyment of standing side by side and singing. One day the two will be reunited and sing together in heaven.
Janet is survived by her husband Keith; her son Edward Jr. "Bo" and spouse Dionna Bunn of Altus; her daughter Dusti "DeJay" Sams and spouse Dexter of Laverne, Oklahoma; grandchildren Brayden Dobson of Oklahoma City, Brooklyn Carpenter of Midwest City, Kennedy Riddle of Florida, Katelyn French of Altus, Payten Pittt and spouse Sean Pitt of Norman, Oklahoma, Katrina Sams of Laverne, Oklahoma, and Kaitlyn Sams of Laverne, Oklahoma.
Viewing will Monday June 19, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday June 20, 2023 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Janet Sue Dobson, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Viewing
19
Jun
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Funeral
20
Jun
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Interment
20
Jun
Falcon Road & Veterans Drive
Altus, OK 73521
Cemetery Details
Location
Falcon and Veterans Dr.
Altus, OK 73521