Mary Elizabeth Avanelle Quattlebaum Graney

Mary Elizabeth Avanelle Quattlebaum Graney was born February 13, 1923 in Shirley, Arkansas to Riley Washington Quattlebaum and Annie Paralee Martin Quattlebaum. She passed away January 22, 2011 enfolded in the love of her family, present and far away.

She moved to Oklahoma in 1980 after 25 years with Superior Coach Corporation in Lima, Ohio to work for Keas Superior in Oklahoma City. She had previously lived in Kansas and Texas. Mary graduated from Independence High School and attended junior college in Kansas. As a full time mother and wage earner, Mary bravely fought for women’s right to equal pay for equal work. She was an active citizen, avid reader, a prolific knitter and a superb example of living one's life by the Golden Rule. Two of her children, Bill and Margaret, have served in the military. Other children and grandchildren serve our country and society as firefighters, nurses, teachers, caregivers and civil servants. Her loved ones will sorely miss her beautiful blue eyes, her understanding heart and healing love, and will strive to follow her example.

The youngest of ten children, Mary is survived by two sisters, Evelyn Gebhardt of Atlanta, GA and Ann Hughens of Schulenburg, TX; her four children, Maureen Magovern and husband James of Norman, William Graney and wife Linda of Kent, WA, Margaret Bennett of Norman, Karen Wilson of Midwest City; nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by William Graney, her husband of 25 years, and one precious granddaughter.

For many years Mary has been an active member of Franklin United Methodist Church, 7311 E. Franklin Rd., Norman, Oklahoma.

Services will be held there, 10 a.m. Thursday, January 27, 2011. Visitation will be Wednesday from 8am to 9pm at Primrose Funeral Service, Norman; family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm. Donations may be made in her name to support Mission Norman, 2525 E. Lindsey, Norman, 73026.

Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City. For more information or to leave condolences, please visit primrosefuneralservice.com.