Special Mission
Dorothy Oxendine
American Gold Star Mother
Farmingdale, NY - 11/17/2025
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 8, Region 9
About the Mission:
Dorothy Oxendine, a woman whose life was defined by remarkable strength, profound faith, and dedicated service to her community and fellow Gold Star families, passed away on November 9, 2025, at the age of 99.
Ms. Oxendine lost her son, Marine Paratrooper PFC Willie French "Frenchie" Oxendine III while he was assigned to I Company, 3rd Batallion, 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III MAF, during the Vietnam War on 30 May 1968. He was just 19 years old. A dedicated member of the American Gold Star Mothers, Dorothy became a prominent figure in the organization, serving as its National President from 2002 to 2003. Her leadership extended to becoming the first female president of the Long Island National Cemetery Memorial Organization in Farmingdale, New York. It is her written request to be escorted to her resting place.
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
11/17/2025 at 10:00am
Staging Location:
Arthur White Funeral Home
315 Conklin Ave.
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
William Byrne
wbyrnerollingthunderli@gmail.
516-765-0905
Special Information:
There will be a mass at St Thomas Episcopal Church across the street at 11am. After escort, members will respond to Long Island National Cemetery for a scheduled 1pm interment.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
11/17/2025 at 12:00pm
Second Location:
Long Island National Cemetery
2040 Wellwood Ave
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
William Byrne
wbyrnerollingthunderli@gmail.
516-765-0905
Second Stage - Special Information:
Stage by the chapels, awaiting arrival of escort.
Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Pete Jepson SRC Region 9
rs 11/14; MER
