Carolyn (Stephenson) Haley

Carolyn Haley was born on January 14th, 1935 to Jackson McKinley and Lorena Stephenson in Okemah, Oklahoma. She had one brother, Jack and one sister, Mary Jo. Carolyn graduated high school in Okemah in 1953.

As a young girl, Carolyn participated in acrobatic dancing, girl scouts and swimming. It was at the Okemah city swimming pool that she first met Donald Dean Haley in 1951. As the story goes, there was a kid that was pestering Carolyn by jumping in on top of her, Don saw this and proceeded to position himself between the pest and Carolyn, thus ending the reign of terror. Carolyn and Don were married on January 30, 1953. She was married to her love for over 70 years. Together they had five children, 3 girls, Sondra, Laura and Randi and 2 boys, Kevin and Dean, 13 grandchildren and an ever-growing number of great grandchildren.

Carolyn’s life centered around her family, friends and church. Her home was always open to visitors. She hosted annual family reunions, church gatherings, bible studies and picnics. Carolyn was an accomplished artist. Unafraid to try something new, she sewed many of her children’s school clothes, sports uniforms, play costumes, clothes for herself and others. She used carpet scraps to create beautiful area rugs. She also designed and made wonderful stained glass for windows, doors, lamps and cabinet doors.

Those that knew Carolyn can attest to her joyful spirit. This spirit never diminished even when she was confined to a wheelchair. She never complained and always helped others to see the good things in life.

Carolyn passed away on April 30th, 2023. She was surrounded by a family grateful to God for the person she was. Services will be at Bill Eisenhower Funeral Home, Del City, Oklahoma, at 2:00pm Friday, May 5. There will be a visitation prior to the service beginning at 12:30.