Charla spent her early childhood in Oklahoma City before moving at age 7 to the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center (SORC) in Pauls Valley, where she lived for many years. Later, she transitioned to a residential home on Chickasaw Street and eventually to her home on Cherry Street, where she lived from 2020 until her passing.
Charla was a graduate of Hilltop School in Pauls Valley, attending all 12 years there. She had a gentle soul and a joyful heart, and she touched the lives of many with her sweet smile, infectious laughter, and fun spirit.
Charla found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, sorting her beloved collection of buttons, watching Wheel of Fortune and The Price Is Right, listening to trains pass by, and keeping a watchful eye out for school buses. Her favorite songs included Jesus Loves Me and anything her best friend Kerri played on the iPod. She especially loved the colors blue, yellow, and purple, and could often be found wearing her favorite blue outfits.
For nearly 25 years, Charla shared her life and laughter with her dearest friend and roommate, Kerri Jones. Kerri made her laugh like no one else, and Charla’s joy was contagious, especially when someone dropped or spilled something. She had a special way of caring for those around her, always looking after her roommates and making sure they were okay, often offering light-hearted updates on their activities.
Charla adored Mickey Mouse and “Goofy with the green hat,” and delighted in peaches after supper. She enjoyed visiting with people, saying hello to everyone she met, and sharing kindness wherever she went.
From Charla, we learned lessons in unconditional love, forgiveness, and the joy of small things, like knowing that dinner comes before supper, and that school buses are always yellow. She reminded us all to love without judgment and to find beauty in every day.
Charla is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ona Marie Harp. She is survived by her loving brother, John Harp of Portland, Oregon, as well as many devoted friends and caregivers who were blessed to know her.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, May 19th at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City. Charla’s life will be remembered and celebrated with love, laughter, and gratitude for the joy she brought to the world.
