Clara Lou Coody
1933 – 2023
Our dear mother Clara Lou passed away about 1:00 AM Friday morning July 14 th , 2023 at the age of 90 years old. She was a wonderful mother to Mark, Jeff and Sherma Lou. Sherma Lou was holding her hand when she left this world and went on to a much better one. Clara Lou was an amazing wife to Don Coody whom she married in 1978. She was a Mother, sister, aunt, grandmother to many. She also had many friends and was a well-loved community member of Edmond and the First Presbyterian Church. She left a huge legacy as Matriarch of many family members. She leaves behind Her Husband, Don Coody, her children Mark, Jeff and Sherma Lou Higgs. Bonus children of Don Coody her husband, Denise Brown, Rick Coody and Mike Coody. Her 6 Grandchildren: Ande Rae Shafran {Adam}, Allie Tyler {Ryan}, James Tyler [Bethany}, Maggie Solis {Nolan}, Tyler Higgs {Jeannie}, Nicholas Higgs {Sammy Jo}. Her brothers Gerald Coats {Gloria} and Bard Coats {Stacie}. And 20 plus one on the way of Great Grandchildren. Predeceased by Sherman Tyler and Dawn Michelle Tyler as well as her parents Walker and Trella Coats and many other descendants.
Clara Lou was born to the late Walker and Trella Coats in Cleveland, OK. She received her Bachelor and Master degrees from Central State College and was an elementary teacher and principal for Edmond Public Schools for many years. We were all her students in some way, whether learning correct grammar, life lessons or using the good sense God gave us, as she would say. Clara Lou was an avid piano player and loved to play for elementary school programs and at First Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of the church choir for many, many years. She loved to host and entertain all her friends and family at her wonderful Christmas Open House parties as well as many other get-togethers at home and Grand Lake. Clara Lou and Don loved to chaperone the Edmond High School Show Choir to Europe as well. She was a dedicated member of PEO and truly believed in education for all and the love of God. Clara Lou always showed her love by taking care of many.
We are asking that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Fund: % P.E.O. International Headquarters 3700 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA, 50312-2806. Flowers may be sent to Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, OK 73003.
Celebration of the Life of Clara Lou Coody: Viewing at 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Sunday July 23 th , 2023 at Matthews Funeral Home 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, OK 73003.
Service at First Presbyterian Church, 1001 S Rankin St, Edmond, OK 73034 at 2:00 PM Monday July 24 th , 2023. The service will be live streamed and available at https://www.fpcedmond.org/ Click on the link for Clara Coody