Laura Lynell O'Leary

Laura Lynell O’Leary (née Lester), resident of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away on July 30, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born to Robert “Deon” and Gladys Lester on September 16, 1962, in Roswell, New Mexico.

Lynell was an avid quilter, loved to go antiquing, and excelled at doing arts & crafts. She was deeply involved in her church; a passion she had no matter where she lived over the years as an Army spouse. When she lived in Alabama, she started decorating her church for special events with another lady who attended. Over time, as new parts of the church were constructed or renovated, she spearheaded developing the hospitality team for the congregation; a team that still exists over 20 years later.

Lynell enjoyed listening to smooth jazz, watching Star Trek with her eldest son Christopher, listening to old-time radio dramas with her youngest son Kegan, playing board games with her granddaughter Avary, and working on her island in Animal Crossing until the wee hours of the night. An excellent cook, she loved trying out new recipes whether they worked out or not, and she enjoyed trying new restaurants and experiencing different kinds of food.

She dedicated her life to raising her two boys and watching after her military husband no matter where they were stationed. A resourceful helper and selfless to a fault, she always found ways to help people around her who were in need. She often would give things or lend financial aid to those who were less fortunate. She preferred not to be recognized, as it was the act of charity and not the recognition that she found gratifying. She believed that receiving recognition for charity made charity dishonest and self-centered.

Cherished and loved by everyone who met her, she never had an unkind word to say about anyone; and if she did, she would never utter it to anyone else. She didn’t like complaining or complainers, and she bore that out by tending to her family and friends even in times when she was in pain or need. Even during some of her worst times, she would apologize for not being able to prepare dinner simply because it was what she felt she was “supposed to do” as a wife and mother.

Lynell fought multiple bouts of cancer and myriad other health related setbacks over the course of 30 years, never faltering in her desire to make it through to the other side and always holding fast to her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She now abides in the presence of her Heavenly Father with all the saints who went before her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Deon, her brother, Robert, and her stepfather, AB Hunt.

She is survived by her husband, Brian O’Leary, her sons, Christopher & Kegan, her daughter-in-law, Kristy, and her granddaughter, Avary. 

Funeral Services will be held at Rise Church of Edmond on Wednesday, August 5,2026 at 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond.