Ora Marie (P.D.) Dowling Floerke

Ora Marie (P.D.) Dowling Floerke, age 92, of Taft, Texas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 15, 2025. She passed peacefully, after a long and full life devoted to faith, family, and community.

P.D. was born on August 5, 1933, in Robstown, Texas, to Benton Ora Dowling and Katie Marie Cardwell Dowling.

She graduated from Robstown High School in 1950 and Texas State Teachers College with a B.S. in Elementary Education, in 1954.

P.D. lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and a joyful spirit. She married the love of her life, Roy James Floerke, on September 3, 1954, and together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, building a legacy of love and faith that will carry on through their family.

She was the proud mother of four children: James Benton Floerke (Linda), Lampasas, TX, Brenda Marie Floerke, Victoria, TX, Max Bradford Floerke (Kris), Portland, TX, and Odom Barton Floerke (Jim Miller), Portland, TX.

She was a loving grandmother to six grandchildren: Sarah Floerke Gouak (Steve), Lampasas, TX, August James Floerke, Windsor, CO, Chase Daniel Cullison (Brianna), Kyle, TX, Cole Christopher Floerke, Portland, TX, Brooke Ann Floerke, Austin, TX, Abigail Marie Floerke Felder (Kaleb), Plano, TX.

She was blessed to have four great grandchildren: Madeline Pearl Gouak, Lampasas, TX, Hattie Mae Gouak, Lampasas, TX, June Elizabeth Floerke, Windsor, CO, and Woods Taos Floerke, Windsor, CO.

She loved her numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends, Herschel Vansickle, Hanna Mroski, and Olivia Sanchez.

Her family was her greatest blessing, and she never missed an opportunity to “M&M” – Make Memories- with those she loved most.

P.D. was a devoted member of the Taft and Portland United Methodist Churches. She served faithfully in countless ways, always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, or share her warm smile. Her generous heart touched many lives, both within her church family and throughout the community she cherished. Those fortunate enough to receive a card or small gift from her, usually laughed at the outpouring of confetti she had included.

P.D. enjoyed and supported numerous groups throughout her life such as the Taft Woman’s Club, Christian Women’s Club of Corpus Christi, Red Hat Society, Walk to Emmaus, and numerous bridge groups. Together, she and Roy were founding members of the Taft Blackland Museum and recipients of the Taft Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian Award.

P.D. taught sixth grade at Taft ISD. She was also a businesswoman and entrepreneur, owning the “Total Look” gift shop, in Sinton and then Portland, TX, for many years. She loved helping her customers with a jewelry, clothing, or home décor selection.

She was a partner in the farming business with Roy and later Brad, helping to produce cotton and grain in the rich coastal bend Blackland.

P.D.’s faith in God was the foundation of her life. She faced each day with grace and gratitude, confident in the promises of her Savior. Her favorite motto, “Live, Love, Laugh”, was more than just words – it was how she lived every day, inspiring others to do the same.

Those who knew P.D. will remember her as a sweet, friendly, and giving woman whose presence brought light and love to all around her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices knowing she was ready to meet Jesus and is now at peace in His eternal care.

A celebration of P.D.’s life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Portland, TX. Burial will follow at Palms Memorial Garden, Midway Road, Taft, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

First United Methodist Church (Building Fund)

4545 Wildcat Drive, Portland, TX 78374; or

Taft Blackland Museum

P.O. Box 718, Taft, TX 78390

“Her life was a gift, her memory a treasure, and her love a blessing beyond measure.”

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com