Florence Elizabeth Burnell McGraw was born on February 6, 1938, in Bessie, Oklahoma, to Ulysses Anthony and Mae Grace (Clark) Challis. She passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City at the age of 87.  Florence graduated from Hinton High School in 1956. She was first united in marriage to Don Frank McCannon, and to this union, three daughters were born. She lived in the Bridgeport and Hinton areas before relocating to Bethany and later to the Deer Creek/Edmond area, where she lovingly raised her daughters.  In 1962, she married Vernon (Bud)  Burnell, who preceded her in death on July 24, 1987. After Bud’s passing, she married George “Gerv” McGraw on February 14, 1997. He also preceded her in death on September 5, 2010.  Florence lived in the Oklahoma City area before moving to the Golden Age Nursing Home in Guthrie, Oklahoma. She lived life to the fullest and found joy in simple pleasures—bowling, golfing, sewing, playing cards, marbles, and drinking coffee. She loved dancing, especially the jitterbug with Bud, and proudly taught each of her grandchildren how to dance. She cherished time outdoors, enjoyed reading, and above all, treasured her family. Florence was the heart of her family—the matriarch, the glue that held everyone together, and a safe haven for anyone in need. All were welcome in her home, and she gave freely and generously from the heart. At the age of 81, she was still riding Sea-Doos at the lake, a testament to her vibrant spirit.  She was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and attended Life.Church alongside her family.

Survivors include her three daughters: Donita Werner and husband Rocky of Piedmont, Teresa Mock and husband Bill of Guthrie, and Vicky Johnson and husband Mike of DeKalb, Texas; stepson Johnny Burnell; step daughter Lisa Burnell Ball and husband Dale, 14 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Lenora “Nodie” Anderson of Edmond; Gerv’s children and grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Bud Burnell and George “Gerv” McGraw; a grandson, Johnny Burnell Jr.; and ten brothers and sisters.

A memorial service will be held at Life.Church Broadway and Britton, 9001 Broadway Extension Highway, Oklahoma City, at 1:30 PM, August 15, 2025, with Rev. Terry Flansburg officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Creek Cemetery in Oklahoma City at a later date.

Services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Hinton, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).

The family kindly requests that flowers be sent to Turner Funeral Home at 123 West Park Street, Hinton, Oklahoma. In Bloom Flowers in Hinton is the family’s preferred florist and can be reached at 405-542-6578.