Charlotte Patricia Gray Heard, 94, died on March 7, 2019. She was born October 15, 1924, in Pawhuska, OK, to Charles Raymond Gray and Grace Emma Roberts Gray. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Elmer Heard, DDS, and brother Clark Gray of Tulsa.
Charlotte received a BA degree in 1947 from Indiana University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from OU in 1972. She served as Executive Director of Areawide Aging Agency from 1972-1989, and as Planning Associate for the Community Council of Central Oklahoma from 1990-1992. After retirement, she turned to writing and published several short stories for children.
Charlotte was fiercely independent and loved to stay productive. She was enrolled in college courses for her own enrichment, taught adult literacy, tutored young children, traveled the world with her siblings, and stayed ever-loyal to daily exercise and the news. She emerged as a caregiver for many a family member in illness or old age. She never ceased finding great interest and enjoyment in conversations with family near and far and with her friends from the old neighborhood, past projects, the gym, and the retirement village. Throughout her life, these relationships were her top priority and dearest pleasure.
Charlotte wanted to focus on good works here on earth and not worry about the hereafter. As the years grew short, she devoted her energy to her most important concerns: family, friends, nature, politics and philosophy. To everything else, she was wont to say, “enough of that.”
Charlotte is survived by sister Helen Slupesky of Sebastopol CA; her five children Jean Heard Jones, Ann Heard DeNies, Robert Heard and wife MaryAnn, Philip Heard and wife Gloria, Martha Heard Woodridge and husband Dan Lablanc; 11 grandchildren; brother-in-law James Heard and wife Joyce; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services are March 11th at 10 a.m. at Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland OK. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Areawide Aging Agency or a preferred charity.
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