Mary Beth Darragh

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Mary Beth Darragh on July 23, 2025, at her son’s home in Tuttle, Oklahoma. She was born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, to Monroe A. Darragh and Maryella Beth Long Darragh on October 28, 1951. Surrounded by loved ones, she left this world peacefully and will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, her brother Dennis, and her cherished grandson Preston Edinburgh. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that lives on through her brother Don and sister-in-law Marsha of Bristow, Oklahoma; her sister-in-law Barbra of Eufaula; her son Brian Harris and daughter-in-law Nicole; her daughter Lori Beth Pompey and son-in-law Darryl; along with a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will carry her memory forward.

She was a devoted grandmother to Preston Monroe Edinburgh, Paris Harris, Donald Pompey, Christon Harris, Stacie Harris, Destiny Pompey, and Monroe Darragh-Harris — each of whom she poured her heart into, shaping their lives with wisdom, faith, and fierce love.

Mary Beth graduated from Oklahoma City Public Schools in 1969, where she met Mike Harris, with whom she had her son Brian. After their divorce, she later met David Edinburgh, and together they had a daughter, Lori Beth.

Her professional journey began at the Department of Human Services, where she worked in the vocational rehabilitation department at Classen High School from 1974 to 1979. During this time, she also found joy on the softball field. From 1979 to 1986, she worked with Crawford & Company.

Her life changed forever when Lori gave birth to her first child. Becoming a grandmother sparked a new passion in her. She helped raise her first grandchild until he was five years old, and it was this role that inspired her to pursue a degree in Human Resources and Education from Oklahoma State University.

For the next 24 years, she taught at Emerson Alternative School, where she dedicated herself to empowering young mothers with the tools and confidence to raise their children. Her son Brian often volunteered alongside her, continuing the spirit of service and education that defined her life.

After retiring from teaching, Mary Beth continued to pour into children’s lives by opening Goodnight Moon Childcare with her son and daughter-in-law, Nicole. It was a heartfelt adventure, a place where love, safety, and learning blossomed under her care. She worked there until the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she made the decision to step away for her health and safety.

Even then, her nurturing spirit never slowed. She remained a steady, loving presence in the lives of her great-granddaughters and great-grandsons, helping to raise and guide them with the same compassion and devotion she gave to so many others.

Her love ran deep.

Her impact is lasting.

And her legacy will continue to grow in every child whose life she touched.

A celebration of life for Mary Beth will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Memorial Park Historic Cemetery Chapel, 13400 N. Kelley Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73131.

Mary Beth will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 N. Kelley Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.