Olivia (McLaughlin) Voyles

There's a point where feelings go beyond words.  Olivia McLaughlin Voyles passed away suddenly at home in Harrah, OK, on Tuesday, December 29th, 2020, after a lengthy struggle with cancer and heart issues. Family was at her side.  She was a young 83 years old.  Our lives are better for her having been in it.

The last of four children, Olivia was born on August 21, 1937 in Okay, Oklahoma to Asa and Annie McLaughlin. Her siblings were Velma (Ralph) McCraw, John McLaughlin, and Naomi (Richard) Claxton.  After graduating from Macomb High School in 1955, she attended business college in Oklahoma City.  Her education led her to type histories, biographies, organize group projects and become a computer whiz. 

Her marriage to Clyde Voyles in 1959 was a long and happy one, producing two sons, Mark and Kevin.  A doting Mom to her sons, she was an outstanding cook, and an amazing seamstress and quilter.  Her special interest was the Harrah Historical Center where she was a board member and curator.  She also served as a poll worker.

Olivia is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, mother, father, siblings, and her son Kevin.  She is survived by her son Mark Voyles, daughter in law Jodi Voyles, daughter in law Claire Voyles, nieces Stephanie Claxton and Kimberly Claxton, grandsons Asa and Andrew Voyles, and many cousins and friends.

Mark Voyles has created a memorial Facebook page, entitled "Celebrate Olivia Voyles," where friends and family are sharing memories and posting pictures.  Information about visitation at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh, OK, will also be posted to this site.

Visitation will from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Cooper Funeral Home.  Due to the pandemic, the private funeral service will be virtual and livestreamed and saved to the Celebrate Olivia Voyles Facebook page. The Reverend Richard Gaines of Community Missionary Baptist Church in Norman, OK, will officiate.  Stephanie Claxton will read a eulogy.   Please join the celebration of Olivia's life through Cooper Funeral Home’s Facebook page for live streaming of the service.

In lieu of flowers, guests may make donations to: Best Friends Animal Society (Bestfriends.org), The American Cancer Society (donate3.cancer.org), Harrah Historical Society  (harrahhistorycenter@att.net); PO Box 846, 20881 E. Main St., Harrah, OK 73045.