Avalene Tarkington

Avalene Tarkington 95 passed away Thanksgiving evening, November 24, 2016 just 19 days after her beloved husband of 75 years, Warner Tarkington 98. Born and raised in Donaldson, Arkansas. While dad was in Europe, she came to California during WWII to work for Todd Shipyard as a welder. Because of that job, she was cast as a welder in the war time drama "Since You Went Away", where she met Joseph Cotton, Claudette Colbert and Shirley Temple.

Mom worked 35 years for Long Beach Unified School District as a cafeteria manager in various schools throughout the district. She was also a  costume seamstress for several dance studios. At one time she was the oldest living member of Truett Memorial Baptist Church, joining in 1947. She and dad were there every Sunday, until their health declined.

She is survived by 2 daughters and sons in-law, Sherry and David Barnes, Long Beach and LaWana and Roger Dunlap, Idaho. Grand children Dr. Robert & Dr. Leslie Barnes, Alison Barnes, Zachary Barnes and Lt. Col (ret.) Christopher & Elena Dunlap. Great grandchildren, Austin, Nicholas & Emma Dunlap. Nieces Nelda Wingfield of Arkansas, Nancy Ling of Hemet and nephew Bob McMullen of Arkansas. Preceded in death by husband Warner, grandson Matt Dunlap and brother William McMullen.

Services Saturday December 3, 11:00 a.m. Luyben Dilday Mortuary Chapel, 5161 E. Arbor Road Long Beach, CA 90808. Private interment.