Mary Lou Smith Bratton

Mary Lou Smith Bratton of Tulsa died peacefully at her home in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by her family on September 29, 2023. She was 90. Mary Lou was born in McCune, Kansas, the daughter of Harold Irwin and Cleo Adeline McClelland Wadkins. She attended and graduated from McCune High School.

In November 1951, Mary Lou married Verlin Leroy Shepard. They divorced in 1971. He was the father of her four surviving daughters.

After moving to Tulsa, Mary Lou later married Warren Harding Smith and they were married until he died in April 2002. They enjoyed life together going to dances, enjoying country music, bowling, and attending Tulsa Drillers baseball and Tulsa Oilers Ice Hockey games. She was the secretary of a bowling league for many years. Her greatest joy was attending sports activities especially those that included her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou worked for many years in the moving and storage business. She worked into her 80s in the transportation and shipping business. Some years following Warren's death, Mary Lou married long-time acquaintance Arthur Bratton. Art died in February 2011.

Surviving family include her daughters, Kathryn Louise Bell and her husband RD Bell, Connie Jo McCratic, Kristi Annette Martin, Lori Ann VanLoo, and her husband Scott. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Additionally, Mary Lou is survived by her sister, Sandra Havelka. She had numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 3 PM Monday, October 9, 2023 in the Rivercrest Chapel, 13329 S. Memorial Drive in Bixby. A reception will follow in the Great Room.

Memorials may be made to: St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.
 

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