Myra Ann Spurgin Berry
Surrounded by her family, Myra Ann Spurgin Berry passed into eternity on January 3, 2013, in an Oklahoma City hospital.
Myra was a teacher to the fullest extent of the word; Mrs. B. was loved and remembered by her students because of her love for them and her high demands of each and every one of them. She spent her whole career in the Waurika school system, teaching elementary music, third grade, for the majority of her career - middle school English. For 25 years, Myra was THE true-blue Waurika Eagle. It was in Waurika that she met and married the love of her life - Jack.
They were married July 19, 1974; Courtney was born in 1977. Her life and accomplishments have been the major source of happiness and pride in her parents' lives. Myra and Jack had moved to Ada two years ago where they had a blast with Courtney, husband Bryan, and grandchildren Mackenzie, Tyler and Logan. That brief time was spent watching soccer games, basketball games, cross-country runs, music recitals, and laughing. Myra was always there to support her grandchildren and always ready to brag on them.
She battled health problems her entire life. She fought seemingly countless illnesses and conditions, including the brain aneurysm that ultimately forced her to retire from her beloved classroom. She was the toughest person any of us have ever known. She has always fought valiantly but lost the earthly battle, yet won the ultimate prize - Heaven.
She grew up in Velma and made lifelong pals in her 1968 Velma-Alma graduating class. Those friends remain true today. She graduated with a B.S. from East Central in 1973. There she was active in the drama department and was a highly touted member of the dramatic honor fraternity Alpha Psi Omega. She and her gal pals were infamous in their pranks in Briles Hall. She received her M.Ed. from East Central in 1980. Mrs. B. was an incredibly knowledgeable and empathetic teacher, receiving several teaching awards over the years. She has been a loving and active member of the Waurika United Methodist Church for over 38 years.
Myra loved all her family with a love that was more than love. She is survived by her husband of 38 years - Jack of the home, daughter Dr. Courtney Bratton, son-in-law Dr. Bryan Bratton and her three grandchildren whom she "loved to the moon and back" - Mackenzie, Tyler and Logan.
Surviving her as well are her mother, Cleo Spurgin of Velma, siblings Myrna Sam (Steve) of Fort Worth, Paula Crawford (Steven) of Fitzhugh, and David Spurgin (Renee) of Velma, sister-in-law Donna Payne of Florence, AL, cousins Judi Bennett of Hurst, TX, Lavana Turnbow, Boardcamp, AR, and uncle Monte Spurgin of Duncan.
She had several nieces and nephews on whom she absolutely doted ... along with a never-ending huge circle of pals and friends. She was preceded in death by her daddy Loray Spurgin, her in-laws B.C. and Dorothy Berry, her grandparends Roy and Dovie Spurgin, and Leslie and Lela Dunn, and her brother-in-law Charlie Payne. Her family, friends, co-workers and students have long recognized her as the world's greatest wit. This lady made pranking and joking an art form.
She loved traveling with family and friends . . . and laughing.
She loved all activities with her grandchildren . . . and laughing.
She loved cheering for the Sooner (especially when they beat OSU) . . . and laughing. She loved her church and singing in its choir . . . and laughing.
Myra's life was about giving and receiving love. Her life is best described in the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians. Myra Berry - a life of love and laughter.
Funeral services for Mrs. Berry will be 10:00 AM, Monday, January 7, 2013, at the Waurika United Methodist Church with Rev. Karen Slater and Rev. David Daniel officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosedale Cemetery in Ada, Oklahoma. Visitation will be at Dudley Funeral Home from 1:00 to 5:00 PM Sunday, January 6 with the family visitation being from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Myra Berry Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Waurika United Methodist Church.
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