Emily Lucille Cravens

Emily Lucille (Kennedy) Cravens, 95, returned to her Lord and Savior on April 28, 2024. She was born October 6, 1928, to Fred McCall Kennedy and Sarah Lucille (Alderman) Kennedy in Jacksonville, Florida. She grew up in Statesboro, Georgia, graduated from Peabody College in Nashville, TN, and then married Henry L. Cravens, Jr., on August 7, 1949. Emily taught first grade, all grade levels of special education, and tutored children in her home for many years after her retirement. She had a deep Christian faith, and was a charter member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, AR, later attending Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City. A lifelong advocate for education equality, she became a volunteer tutor for Whiz Kids when she was in her eighties. Emily was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and loved creating memories with her family and friends, traveling across the country with her husband, playing the organ, browsing at garage sales, and playing bridge. She was gracious and kind to all, and greeted everyone with her own unique blend of southern charm and hospitality. A lover of animals, flowers, and the great outdoors, she took great delight in all of God’s creations.

The family wishes to thank Eden Care Homes, where Emily was loved and cared for in the final years of her life.

Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, in 1999. She is survived by her son, Lee Kennedy Cravens (Debbie), and daughter, Emily Kay Cravens Harsha (Mark); grandchildren, Scott Lee Cravens (Lauren), Brooklyn Emily Harsha Wilson (Justin), Julie Kay Harsha Litz (Jordan), and Steven Mark Harsha (Jillian); great-grandchildren, Kinlee Ann Cravens, Logan Emily Cravens, Rhett Henry Wilson, Ryder August Wilson, Milo Steven Harsha, and Greta May Litz.

The family invites you to join us in wearing blue, her favorite color, to the service. Pallbearers will be Lee Cravens, Scott Cravens, Mark Harsha, Steven Harsha, Justin Wilson and Stan Keith. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, May 1, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 2, at 10:00 am, at Bill Merritt Funeral Services, 6201 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK, officiated by Rev. Randy Shrauner, with burial immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery, 7500 W. Britton Rd., Oklahoma City, OK.

Emily’s Celebration of Life will be livestreamed and can be viewed from her memorial page for the next 90 days for anyone who may not be able to attend in person.

Memorial donations may be made to: Whiz Kids OK at https://www.citycareokc.org/donate/whizkids (Programs >Whiz Kids>Donate) or mailed to: Whiz Kids, 6001 N Classen Blvd, Building 5, OKC, OK 73118