THE OKLAHOMAN
NEWSOK.COM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
Stephen James Lawler
Merilyn Jane Olaker
Martha Ellen Berniece ''Bea'' Pritchett Shepherd
BETHANY On September 9, 2012, Stephen James Lawler drew his final earthly breath and awoke at his Savior’s feet. Steve was born on April 2, 1948, to Billy Joe and Billy Jane Wolfram Lawler in McAllen, Texas. Two years after graduating from high school in Atwater, California, Steve met the love of his life, Diana Lynn Jacques, on Labor Day weekend of 1968. They married on May 3, 1969, and celebrated 43 years of marriage. As a man with a strong sense of right and wrong, Steve served the community of Atwater as a police officer from 1969 to 1981. Steve then moved his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to pursue a degree in business, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Oral Roberts University in 1984. He went on to receive a Master's in Accounting from the University of Tulsa with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude in 1985. He was the recipient of both the F.B. Perriott Educational Scholarship for the TU Graduate Business School and the Junior Achievement Award in Community Service. His lifelong pursuit of education was evident as he attained certifications as CPA (1986), CIA (1989), and CFA (2010). While in Tulsa, Steve enjoyed his work, service to and time with friends at First Christian Church, TU football games, and the Tulsa music scene. His professional career began as an internal auditor at Williams Companies of Tulsa in 1985. In 1999, he and Diana embarked on an adventure when he accepted the opportunity to transfer to the WorldCom offices in Hong Kong. A true survivor of the business world, Steve worked through the Telecoms crash and the WorldCom fraud and bankruptcy to become the Director of Operations for Asia-Pacific for Verizon. During their 12 years in Hong Kong, Steve and Diana hosted numerous US servicemen and women in port through the Meals in Homes Programs associated with the American Women’s Association, the US Navy 7th Fleet, and the US Consulate in Hong Kong. He could count among his acquaintances or friends generals, admirals, consular officers, political, military, and religious leaders in Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, China, and Japan, but his favorite people were the many chaplains, Master Chiefs, and crew members received in his home for a family meal and laugh around his table. Because of his health, Steve and Diana retired to Bethany in 2011 to spend time with their grandsons, in whom he delighted and was most proud. His joy came from helping others and knowing that he did something good to make another’s life better. He is remembered as a kind and gentle giant, mentor, and friend to many around the world. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and youngest son, Stephen James “Jimmy” Lawler, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Diana of the home; two sisters, Janice Meadows of San Antonio, TX, and Linda Hanford of Ontario, CA; two brothers, Paul Lawler of Aurora, CO, and Danny Lawler of Greencastle, IN; his daughter, Elizabeth and husband Richard Brookhart of Bethany; his son, Will and wife Kathryn Parrott Lawler of Norman; and his grandsons, Andrew “A.J.” Brookhart, James Lawler, and Ryan Lawler. Steve suggested that his memory might be honored by planting a tree. Donations may also be made to: Integris Hospice House, 13920 Quailbrook Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73134. Arrangements are under the direction of Floral Haven in Broken Arrow. Viewing will be on Thursday from 2-9 pm with the family greeting friends from 6-9 pm. Services will be held on Friday at 12:30 pm in the Floral Haven Chapel. Online condolences may be shared at www.floralhaven.com
OKLAHOMA CITY Merilyn Jane Olaker (Thompson), 50, passed away Sunday evening, August 5, 2012, in Macon, Georgia. Merilyn, who was surrounded by family in her last hours, is survived by her immediate family: husband, Gene Olaker; brother, Mack Thompson; and sister, Glenda Lee Nutting. She is also survived by extended family, including her aunt, Mary Jane Courtney, for whom she was named. Merilyn, born and raised in Oklahoma City, was living in Georgia at the time of her death. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. in Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 N. Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City.
OKLAHOMA CITY/SHAWNEE, KS Martha Ellen Berniece Pritchett Shepherd was born on February 22, 1923, in Sparks, Oklahoma, and peacefully left her earthly family to join her loved ones in Heaven on September 7, 2012. She was the seventh and youngest child of William Edward Pritchett, Sr., and Ruth Ann Tague Pritchett. The Pritchett family was a very loving family with all three sisters, three brothers and their spouses best friends for life. “Bea,” as she was called by her husband and friends, was an all-around American girl, being a good student, good athlete, and talented singer. She completed business school at Hills Business College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and then worked for medical practices in Oklahoma City. Under the Lord’s guidance, she met a young Army Air Corps officer, C.B. “Buzz” Shepherd, Jr., stationed at the then Will Rogers Army Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. They married shortly thereafter on February 8, 1946. Bea and Buzz had an exceptional marriage lasting more than 66 years, with each one unconditionally dedicated to the other. They were often found in each other’s embrace up through the time of Bea’s passing. Bea was a stay-at-home wife and mother, raising two daughters, Suzanne and Cynthia, and participating in a myriad of organizations to support both their development and her husband’s career. Among her many accomplishments, she served as President of her cherished PEO Chapter and as President of the PTA Chapter where her daughters attended school. She was known as an excellent hostess, cook, and the “life of the party,” always putting first the needs and comfort of others. Bea was also known for her “flair,” possessing an amazing sense of style, design, and immaculate beauty, both in her home and person. She greatly enjoyed traveling to various parts of the world with Buzz as her constant companion. Known as “Mimi,” first to her beloved nephews and nieces and then to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Bea is survived by her husband Buzz; her two daughters Suzanne and husband Richard Discenza of Shawnee, KS, and Cynthia and husband Kent Yoesting of Houston, TX; and her grandchildren Matthew (Michele) Streeter and their children Aidan and Clara of McGaheysville, VA, Julie (John) Fortenbery and their children Connor and Addison of Owings, MD, Amanda (Jake) Hendrix of Pearland, TX, Tyler Yoesting of Dallas, TX, and Travis Yoesting of Tyler, TX. She is also survived by two step-grandsons Dean (Pam) and their children Peter and Clara of Rochester, NY, and Ryan (Jennifer) of Norman OK, as well as may special nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, W.E. and Ruth Ann Pritchett; her six siblings, Daniel Ellsworth Pritchett, Clarence Ollie Pritchett, Mary Anna Mae Pritchett Hall Tope, William Edward Pritchett, Jr., Vera Alice Pritchett Harrison, and Ruth Lorena Pritchett. Memorial services will be held in Bea’s honor at the Amos Family Memorial Chapel at 10901 Johnson Drive in Shawnee, Kansas, at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 14, with viewing at 2:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held in Oklahoma City, OK, at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 15, at Rose Hill Cemetery, 6001 Northwest Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Contributions in Bea’s memory may be made to your local Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.
April 2, 1948 - September 9, 2012
Raymond E. Johnson Feb 29, 1924 - Sept 9, 2012
OKLAHOMA CITY Raymond Eugene Johnson, age 88, died Sunday, September 9, 2012, in Mercy Hospital, after suffering a stroke. A Leap Year baby, he was born February 29, 1924, on his family farm in Crescent, OK to Ivan Carl and Edith Bachelor Johnson. Raymond attended Guthrie High School, during which time he played basketball, served in ROTC and designed the Blue Jays' ROTC logo, which is still in use today. He graduated in 1943, and married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Jean Bates, in 1944, moving to Bethany and then Oklahoma City shortly thereafter. The epitome of the American Dream, Raymond was a self-made man, becoming a successful commercial builder. His myriad of building accomplishments include some of the first hotels and motels in Oklahoma, schools, armories, shopping centers, including the Village Shopping Center on May Avenue (which he also owned), as well as donating his services to aid in the building of his family’s church, the Village Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. Active in the community he helped build, Raymond was a 30+ year member of the Oklahoma Executive Success Club (aka “Tip Club”), as well as serving on the Board of Silver Lake, Inc., where he built the home that he and Wanda lived in for over 40 years. Raymond loved the outdoors, whether as an avid bow, rifle and black powder hunter and fisherman, as an accomplished gardener (with some of his banana trees still growing in the Myriad Botanical Gardens), or as an ice skater, building a safe skating area in his neighborhood lake and owning over 20 pairs of ice skates so anyone could join. As a gifted artist, he also loved to paint the outdoors. Raymond also traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, the Pacific and Middle East, with his wife, Wanda. A well-respected and Godly man, Raymond was always willing to help anyone in need. Devoted to his family, they could always count on him in whatever they chose to do. Although slowed by age in recent years, “Papa” remained physically active, whether helping someone with a fix-it project, teaching his great-grandchildren to fish, or enjoying his recent “22nd Leap Birthday.” He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan Carl Johnson, Edith Bachelor Johnson King, and stepfather, Shirley Malcom King; and sister, Loreta Johnson Novak. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Bates Johnson; daughter, Rae Jean Johnson; son, Ivan Johnson; granddaughters, Beth Brown Bonilla and her husband Mike, Tori Johnson Richmond and her husband Steve, and Alisa Johnson Beck and her husband Chris; grandson, Scott Brown; great-grandchildren, Garrett and Raymond Bonilla, States and Satchel Beck, and Nimue Richmond; and countless other loving family and friends. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Village Christian Church (http://villagechristianokc.org). Memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 13 at 1 p.m. at The Village Christian Church, 9401 Ridgeview Drive, Oklahoma City (The Village), Oklahoma 73120. Interment will be at the Summit View Cemetery in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Arrangements for Raymond and his family have been placed in the care of Vondel Smith & Son Mortuary.
13A
Imogene Christner Carter
Carmen Jo (Turner) Hall
April 23, 1925 - Sept. 9, 2012
June 9, 1924 - Sept 11, 2012
BOTHELL, WA Imogene Carter, beloved and loving Wife, Mom, Grandma and Friend, died Sept. 9, 2012, in Everett, WA. She was born to Ermit and Nora Christner on April 23, 1925, in Lockridge, OK. Imogene worked in the family grocery store growing up in Minco, OK. Graduating from Minco High School, she exceled at The Univ. of Okla., graduating with a Bachelor's of Science Degree. She found the love of her life, Mabry James Carter, Jr. and married July 27, 1947, a union that lasted 49 years, until Mabry's death. She helped raise three boys while maintaining a successful career at Kerr McGee Corporation, which spanned over 30 years. Imogene enriched the lives of everyone around her with her cheerful smile and a bright greeting, regardless of the occasion. Her strong moral compass never wavered, her love always present, a guiding example for her children, grandchildren, family and peers. She moved to Mill Creek, WA, in 1998, two years after Mabry's death, to be with her son's family. Her personal interests were her grandchildren and family, socializing with neighbors and friends, and attended the United Methodist Church in Bothell, WA. Active in Red Hats and Senior Clubs, she was an enthusiastic fan of the Seattle Mariners, Sonics, and forever rooted for her Oklahoma Sooners. Her real passion lay with her involvement with her children & grandchildren's lives. She reveled in any and every event that involved family. She is preceded by Orville Christner, brother; Ermit Christner, father; Nora Christner, mother; Mark Carter, son; and Katherine Christner Carter, granddaughter; Hubert Murphy, brother-in-law, Aledamae Foree, sister-in-law, & LC Foree, brother-in-law. She will be forever cherished and missed by surviving son's Barry and Bart Carter; grandchildren Brett Carter, Morgan Carter, Mallory Carter, Bryce Tillet and Mark Carter; daughters-in-law Candiss Carter and Lori Carter; great granddaughter Aiden Tillett; nephews Jimmy Murphy, Carter Foree; niece Sandra Wyatt; and all her special friends, neighbors and relatives. After a memorial service at Bothell United Methodist Church in WA, Imogene's final resting place will be with her beloved husband, Mabry, and son, Mark, in Oklahoma City. A memorial and burial service will be held Sat. 9/15, 2pm, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 8702 NW Expressway, Okla. City.
OKLAHOMA CITY Carmen Jo (Turner) Hall was born June 9, 1924, in Navina, Oklahoma, the third child of V.B. and Christina Maple. She graduated Guthrie HS in 1942 and married Wilbur Turner the same year. They moved to Oklahoma City at the end of WWII, where she was employed at various departments stores selling women’s shoes or baby clothing, and then at OTASCO. She died at Integris Hospice September 11. She was preceded in death by her parents, both siblings and two husbands. Wilbur died on September 10, 1982; she then married Eldon Hall, who died June 14, 2012. She is survived by her son, Alvin and his wife Carmelita, of Norman; daughter, Linda Jo Judkins and her husband Dallas, of Conroe, TX; grandchildren, Dallas Gene Judkins, Megan McClintock, Nathan Turner and Christina Cranston, and their spouses; and seven great-grandchildren, plus the Hall children and spouses, grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Rancho Village Baptist Church at 1 p.m. Friday, September 14, 2012, where she has been a member for more than 60 years.
Gerald Ray Story Nov. 26, 1934 - Sept. 8, 2012
OKLAHOMA CITY Gerald Ray Story went to be with his Lord on Sept. 8, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Verna, son, Lloyd Story, and daughters, Julia Scott and Mary Crockett and their spouses. in death by his daughter, Vickie Captain. He was blessed with many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Gerald was retired from the Air Force and Frisbee Foods. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends and grandsons. He was admired and loved by many friends and family. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society. Memorial Services will be held 10:30 am Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, at Forest Hill Christian Church, 2121 N. MacArthur, OKC 73127.
Aug 25, 1961 - Aug 5, 2012
Minerva Massad Cohlmia
January 22, 1920 - Sept. 12, 2012
OKLAHOMA CITY Minerva Massad Cohlmia was born January 22, 1920, in Drumright, Oklahoma, to Very Reverend George and Bedyah Massad. Her parents immigrated to this country from Lebanon early in the 20th century, both arriving as teenagers and without their parents, meeting and marrying in Steele, Missouri, in 1916. Minerva was raised in Drumright until 1938, when her father was appointed the Priest at St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church in OKC and she graduated from Classen High School. Minerva was instrumental in starting Alpha Malachi Sorority, and was the editor of the News Bits, a monthly newsletter sent to Lebanese-American soldiers during World War II. After high school, she worked at Nissen's Shoes in downtown OKC until marrying Gorden Cohlmia on March 7, 1948, at which time they moved to Fairview, Oklahoma, and opened Gorden's Market. She worked in the grocery store until it was sold in 1974, and shortly thereafter started the Meals on Wheels Program in Fairview. Minerva was an active member of Central Christian Church in Fairview, where she served on the Board and chaired the committee to assist grieving families. She also served on the boards of Fairview Hospital Foundation and Fairview Lakeside Country Club, in addition to volunteering at the Fairview Hospital and Nursing Home, Fly-In, Threshing Bee, and just about everything else that took place in her community. Minerva was so involved that she was named the 1988 Volunteer of the Year in Fairview for her many years of service to her community. In addition to starting her days with her daily devotional, Bible readings, and exercise routines, she always told her family that “your week won’t start out right if you don’t go to church” always leading by example, exhibiting the poise, grace and dignity expected of a lady. Always a willing & gracious hostess, she was an excellent mother, Sitty, relative, neighbor and friend. Minerva was predeceased by her husband, Gorden, two brothers, Alex and Omar Massad, and one sister, Esther Samara, and many in-laws on the Cohlmia side of her family. Survived by daughter Leyla Cohlmia and husband Girard Kinney of Austin, TX; daughter Mona and Mike Spivey, OKC; and son George and Karla Cohlmia, Oklahoma City; grandchildren Adam and Kasey Cohlmia, Oklahoma City; brother Mike Massad, Dallas, TX; sistersin-law Dee Massad, Austin, TX, Jacque Massad, OKC, Elsie Simon, Clinton, OK, Phyllis Cohlmia, OKC; brother-in-law Dr. Ray & Sameera Cohlmia, OKC; plus a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. The family also thanks Mom’s caregivers, Bobbie Weehunt, Jeannie Coleman and Mercy Hospice, for their kind, loving and tender care. Thanks for treating her as if she were your mother. Services will be Saturday, September 15, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to: The Flowers That Do Not Wither Fund, St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church, 15000 N. May Avenue, OKC 73134.
February 22, 1923 - September 7, 2012
Barbara Ann ''Bobbie'' Robeson May 13, 1938 - September 11, 2012
YUKON A Celebration of Life for Bobbie, 74, of Yukon, Oklahoma, will be held on Friday, September 14, 2012, at 2:00pm at Covenant Community Church, Yukon, OK. Bobbie passed away September 11, 2012, in Oklahoma City, at Deaconess Hospital. Bobbie was born May 13, 1938 in Prairie Grove, Arkansas to Melvin and Margaret Bristo. Bobbie married Jack A. Hyatt and three children came from their union, Jack Hyatt Jr., Brenda Ann Hyatt and Marty Lee Hyatt. They later divorced and Bobbie married Dennis Ray Robeson in 1969. He was the ''Love of her Life.'' They were married until Dennis passed away in 2006. During their marriage they were wheat & cattle farmers in Banner, Oklahoma until declining health and then moved to Yukon where they ran and owned Robeson Jewelers. Survivors include: Brenda Ann Hyatt of Yukon, Oklahoma, Jack Hyatt Jr. and wife AnnaLeigh of Oklahoma City, Marty Lee Hyatt of Alex Oklahoma, Christy Hawk and husband Jason of Hennessey, Oklahoma, Debbie and Rex Matthews of Hennessey, Oklahoma and so many great nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren and her dog Scooter, not to mention Bobbie was preceded in death by Dennis Robeson her husband, Carolyn Harris her sister, Archie Harris her brother-in-law, Margaret and JD Smith her parents. Bobbie's favorite hobbies were playing pool, spending time with family and friends and having get togethers with family and friends on the farm, as well as tending to her garden and fishing. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Dr. Elwood Williams, Dr. Ba, Dr. Kent Studebaker & the staff at Deaconess Hospital and Crossroads Hospice and the Daily Living Center in Bethany for the past two years of her life. ''Those who live and love in the Lord never see each other for the last time.''
Michael J. Ford, Sr. Mar. 21, 1988 - Sept. 9, 2012
EDMOND Michael James Ford, Sr. was born on March 21, 1988 and died September 9, 2012 in Edmond. He is survived by his wife, Christine Ford, son, Michael James Ford, Jr., both of the home; parents, Larry and Pam Ford of Edmond; sister & brother-inlaw, Elizabeth & Jason Hedgecock, niece and nephew, Madilyn & Porter of Mustang; and brothers, Timothy Campbell of Tucson, AZ and Joshua Ford of Edmond. He also leaves behind grandparents, Jack & Mary Ford of Bethany and Marilyn Midgett of Oklahoma City, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, William Ambrose Midgett, Jr. Michael was loved and cherished by all. Services will be at 10:00am, on Friday, September 14, 2012, at Chisholm Creek Baptist Church, 17600 N. Western, under the direction of Crawford Family Funeral Service of Edmond with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery. To make online condolences visit www.crawfordcares.com
IN LOVING MEMORY PERRY JOHN MCMAHON Sept 13, 1968 - Sept 28, 1996 WHEN THE EMPTINESS OF MISSING YOU IS MORE THAN WE CAN BEAR, WE WHISPER WE LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS FIND YOU THERE. FOR IN OUR WORLD OF MEMORIES, YOU FILL OUR HEARTS WITH PRIDE, WE'LL NEVER WALK ALONE, YOU ARE ALWAYS BY OUR SIDE. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PERRY MOM, DAD, PATRICK, KEVIN AND JUSTIN Resthaven Memory Gardens lawn crypt, providing 2 spaces in a 2 level crypt $2500 + $395 transfer Fee Call 405-640-2578 for details
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