Clara Lou Coody
1933 – 2023
Our dear mother Clara Lou passed away about 1:00 AM Friday morning July 14th, 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 23th, 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 24th, 2023. The service will be live streamed and available at https://www.fpcedmond.org/ Click on the link for Clara Coody
Clara Lou was one of a kind & we loved her dearly.She was a wonderful neighbor & friend to us & we will cherish our memories of her forever.
RIP-Clara Lou
Love-Denny & Lyn Haywood💝
So sorry for the loss to the family. When Ethan and Alec came to live with Grandpa George and I one summer they were both babies. Clara Lou came to visit and ended up bringing granddaughters Ande and Allie over a couple of times a week to babysit and entertain the boys so I could get other things done around the house. This simple gesture was so helpful and much needed and appreciated. I will always remember her and how she touched our lives with her kindness. My sincere condolences to Don and all of the family. Becky Vascellaro
Becky, that indeed is so “Clara Lou – Like”, isn’t it? She was always reaching out to help wherever possible, especially with kids like you described. Love, Bard Coats.
Sending our heartfelt sympathy and love to Don and Clara Lous family. Clara Lou and Don were our neighbors on Brush Creek Road for many years. We loved her zest for life, love of God and music and her entertaining others in their beautiful home and we will always remember her infectuous laugh!!! She was the nicest and happiest friend!!!
We will be out of town but will be with all the family in spirit the day of her celebration of life. Margaret and Fred Ringwald
I taught with Clara Lou on the 6th grade team at Will Rogers Elementary and Sequoyah Middle School. She was a wonderful teacher and mentor for me, as a first year teacher in 1974. She was a great leader and example. I am blessed to to have known her and worked with her.