GuthrieAmerica Story: Michele & Nyree

"According to Michele, she didn't like me but we became friends in 8th grade. I believe our friendship is special because we've always connected. And no matter where we left off, we can always pick right back up. We bring comedy wherever we go. I guess you could say we're the dynamic duo. I was told we needed our own reality show. LOL". ~ Nyree C.


My name is Michele Bufford I was born in Guthrie Oklahoma at Alverno Heights Hospital 19th and Warner.

I graduated high school in 1990. I then went to Langston University with Nyree. I stayed for a year and moved to Houston Texas with my brother and sister. I came back in the late 90's.

I started working for the district as a Special Education paraprofessional when I came back from Texas. I'm going on 21 years working for Guthrie Public Schools.

I can remember so many great things growing up in our small town. Nyree and I would loved going to the parties at the library on 2nd street. 89ers was the biggest event in Guthrie back then. Everybody would have a new outfit and a new hairstyle. We would go to the parade and after that everybody was at Mineral Wells park. Then we would go back home and eat barbecue of course. Once the sun went down we would meet uptown for the carnival so much fun.

And another favorite was sitting at the temple talking and listening to music.

The Guthrie America brand I learned about through social media.

I would like to give a huge shout out to my Fogarty Family for showing the kiddos love and compassion everyday. Bluejay for life.


Hello. My name is Nyree Coleman. I was born at either OU or Mercy. I can’t remember. Lol… But, I have lived in Guthrie all my life.

Outside of what Michele mentioned on favorite memories, my senior year at Guthrie High School was also a favorite Guthrie memory for me. I graduated in 1990 with Michele. I was a cheerleader.

My first job was at Granny Had One. It is no longer in business. I currently do accounts payable. I have been doing this for the last 2 years or more. I worked as an account manager for 15 years.

I have plenty of family here in Guthrie. I have my daughter, aunt, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.

I am proud to have raised my beautiful daughter in a small community where she always felt loved. When they say it takes a village to raise a child, this could not be more true.

I think the GuthrieAmerica brand is amazing. I love wearing my tee-shirt because it represents unity.

Before we leave, I would like to shout out my Aunt JoAnn Washington for always being a role model, setting the example & correcting me when I needed it. She is a HUGE influence in my life and I will cherish & respect her always.

Tee shirts sold at Boutique 206 (206 E. Oklahoma Ave, Guthrie Ok 73044) or online at GuthrieAmericaTees.Com.