Oleta Gay Blackburn

Oleta Gay Blackburn, a long-time resident of Marlow, Oklahoma, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 25, at the age of 89.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, September 26, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Whitt Funeral Home.  A graveside service is planned for 10:00 A.M., Friday, September 27 at Marlow Cemetery with Rev. Randy Southerland officiating.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home in Duncan, OK.

Oleta was born in Paola, Oklahoma on March 1, 1935, to Hushel and Edith Henderson.  She attended school in Pernell, where she excelled at basketball.  After graduation, she moved to Duncan and worked at the telephone company as a switchboard operator for a short time.  Oleta married the love of her life, Jerry, on November 2, 1956, at Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Marlow, Oklahoma.  They were married for 62 years before Jerry’s passing in 2019.  Jerry and Oleta had three children together: Randy, Julie, and Joni (who is the baby of the family and the clear favorite!)

Oleta enjoyed traveling (Alaska was a favorite), gardening (tomatoes), cooking (pecan pie and peppered hams) and going to church.  She spent a great deal of time volunteering at Fifth Street Baptist where she helped prepare funeral meals for dozens of families.  Oleta’s most cherished moments were spent visiting with family and friends, especially during the holidays.  She always loved camping, especially at the Henderson Family Reunions and Pernell Class Reunions.  Oleta was a member of New Hope Baptist Church West.

She is survived by her son, Randy Blackburn and wife Brenda of Hollandale, MS; daughters: Julie Leippe and husband Karl of Marlow and Joni Blackburn of Marlow; grandchildren: Austin Leippe of Abilene, TX, Taylor Leippe of Oklahoma City; Holly Claire Millican of Portland, OR; sister and sister-in-law, Wanda Floyd of Duncan and Marcena Henderson of Mead, OK; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Oleta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry; and brother, Carol Henderson.

We want to thank the entire staff of Elk Crossing for their compassionate and loving care of our mom during her last few years.

Oleta had a deep faith and love for the Lord, and we are comforted in the fact that she is rejoicing in Heaven!

Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.