Mildred Elaine Woody

In Loving Memory of Mildred Elaine Woody

Mildred Elaine Woody, lovingly known to so many as “Elaine,” passed away on July 6, 2026, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She was born on September 23, 1942, in Wewoka, Oklahoma.

Elaine grew up on a dairy farm, where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and kindness that would guide her throughout her life. She later made her home in Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, where she built a life filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories.

Throughout her life, Elaine was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. She proudly worked at Strother School, spending two years in the lunchroom before serving four years as the school secretary. She also dedicated 24 years of service to Tinker Air Force Base, where she eventually retired. She was known for her dependability, kindness, and commitment. No matter where she worked, Elaine gave her very best each day.

Family was the center of Elaine’s world. She had a gentle spirit, a warm smile, and a heart that made everyone feel welcome. She cherished every moment spent with those she loved and found her greatest happiness surrounded by family. To many, she wasn’t just Elaine—she was simply “Grandma Elaine” or “Mamaw Elaine,” titles she wore with love and pride. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. Everyone knew that no matter where life took them or what they were going through, they always had a home to come back to at Grandma Elaine’s.

One of the greatest joys of Elaine’s later years was spending time with her great-grandson, Woody Tate. She loved going along to pick Woody up from school. Their trips home were made even sweeter by their tradition of stopping at the gas station for a Yoo-hoo and a Coke. Those small moments brought her so much happiness and became precious memories that will forever be treasured. Woody was one of her greatest blessings and brought so much joy to her life.

Elaine also found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She became a devoted Oklahoma City Thunder fan because she wanted something she could share and talk about with her grandchildren. What started as a way to connect with them quickly became something she genuinely enjoyed, and she rarely missed a game. She loved sitting in her chair by the window, watching the hummingbirds go from feeder to feeder.

She is survived by her loving son, Kelly; her beloved daughter, Tammy; her son-in-law, Blake; her sister, Sherry Terry; her grandchildren, Dylan, Ryan, Riley, Davon, Brayden, and Zoey; her great-grandson, Woody Tate; and her great-granddaughter, who is expected to arrive in December and was already deeply loved by Grandma Elaine.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stella Belle Gilpin Carpenter and Dow Lee Carpenter; her brothers, Don and Larry; and her sisters, Rita Carpenter, Delores Powell, and Janet Hammons. Though she will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with them in Heaven.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the years we shared with her and for the memories that will forever remain in our hearts. We find peace in knowing she is at home in Heaven, reunited with those she loved who went before her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service in Shawnee. Family and friends are invited to remain for a time of sharing memories and celebrating Elaine’s life from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the same location.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church in Bethel Acres, with burial to follow at Blackburn Chapel Cemetery.

Elaine will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Though she is no longer with us, her love will remain a guiding light for generations to come.