Gladys Ann (Workman) Powell came into this world on Wednesday, March 23, 1949, in Tulare, California born to Curt & Mildred Workman as the second of nine children. Gladys stepped into the presence of Jesus on Thursday, November 3, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by her family after years of struggling with diabetes and renal failure. A proud native of Boggy Depot, she attended school at Boggy Depot, spent a short stint at Atoka High School but eventually graduated from Tushka High School in 1969. As a Tushka Tiger, Gladys was active in volleyball as part of the 1963 State Champion Team. Gladys also played basketball under the legendary Walter Cooper and was a member of the 1964 State Champion team.
After graduation, Gladys spent a few years caring for children in her home and then pursued her bachelor’s degree at Southeastern Oklahoma State University majoring in Elementary Education deciding as she embarked on her student teaching that she really didn’t like other people’s children.
She served as a secretary for the OSU Extension Center & Farmers Insurance in Atoka where she was active as a 4-H mom and attended Harmony Baptist Church and Dayspring Church. Gladys moved to Yukon where she worked in Central Purchasing at the Oklahoma State Capital. Retiring to Butler, OK, Gladys enjoyed spending time with her family, surfing the internet, and vacationing in Colorado where she loved the aspen trees. Before her health interfered, she was always up for a road trip. Gladys never turned down a chance to play pitch with her siblings or a game of Farkle or Skip-bo with her grandkids.
Gladys was a collector of porcelain dolls, teapots and every Christmas and birthday card she ever received!
Gladys was married to her high school sweetheart, Robert Powell, on December 27, 1966, in Atoka. Blessed to this union were their two sons, Mark & Scott.
Preceding Gladys in death include her parents Curt & Mildred Workman, grandparents, Lee & Carrie Mason and Frank & Sally Workman as well as brothers Bill & James Workman and her in-laws, Lester & Leona Powell.
Those left behind to treasure her memory include her husband of almost 56 years, Robert, her eldest son, Mark and wife, Stephanie of Jenks and also son #2, Scott and wife, Lorna of Butler. Granddaughters include Lexie and husband, Dylon Kupka, Kodie and husband Brett Price, grandsons Ty Howell and wife Kayleah, Tucker and fiancée Chaley, Clint Powell and Easton Powell. Great grandchildren include Oaklynn, Brodie, Bryn and Huntlee. Surviving siblings include Linda Workman of Boggy Depot, Frank & Brenda Workman of Atoka, Bob Workman of Lewisville, Texas, Jeannie Workman of Boggy Depot, Dale Workman and wife Teresa of Boggy Depot, and Susan and husband Billy Stuckey of Madill. Also, very special inlaws include Milford & Barbara Powell of Tushka and Bill & Vonnie Noak of Enid, OK. Gladys also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as many friends scattered across the state.
The Powell family received guests at family visitation Tuesday, November 8, 2022 in the Tushka Baptist Church. Services were held on Wednesday, November 9 also in the Tushka Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Mark Powell. Interment followed in the Tushka Cemetery.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Tushka Alumni Association 195 NE 2nd Street Atoka, OK 74525 Attn: Tina Crawford.