Arvetta Jean "A.J." Southwell

Arvetta Jean “A.J.” Southwell, 78, of Moore, OK, passed away on April 16, 2024, after a brief illness. She was a beautiful and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to many. She was born to Mary and Stanley Wright in Oklahoma City on March 14, 1946, and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1964.

A.J. married Tom Southwell later in 1964 and they had two children, Randy and Kristi. A.J. was a loving and devoted mother who baked birthday cakes, sewed clothes, made great Halloween costumes, and encouraged her children in every respect. She was also a proud “Mimi” to a grandchild and two great-grandchildren, and a special aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

After raising her children, A.J. had a successful career as a hairstylist for many years in Nichols Hills and in Oklahoma City, working at Balliet’s, The Waterford, and Nickey Thomason’s, among others, with her most recent being at Loc Salon. She loved reading, working word puzzles, and listening to classic rock and traditional country music all the time. She was a natural gardener like her dad, and had the ability to make anything grow and thrive, as shown by the abundant flowers she grew everywhere she lived. She was especially devoted to her many pet dogs and cats, most of which she adopted as strays, caring for and spoiling them thoroughly. Nothing made her happier than showering love on those who needed it most.

A.J. was preceded in death by her parents Mary and Stanley, and her brothers Bud and Larry Wright. She is survived by her former husband and longtime companion, Tom Southwell, of the home; son Randy Southwell and wife LaVeta of Yukon; daughter Kristina Grimsley and husband David of Norman; one granddaughter, and two great-grandchildren.

A.J. will be forever remembered for her warmth and kindness, and the love she showed her family, pets, and friends.

We will celebrate A.J.’s life at 2pm on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Moore Funeral and Cremation.

Arrangements are under the thoughtful direction of Moore Funeral and Cremation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arvetta Jean "A.J." Southwell, please visit our floral store.