Lydia "Gerrye" Geraldine Howard

Lydia "Gerrye" Geraldine (Dean) Howard, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2022, in Broken Arrow. She was 95 years old. Gerrye was born on Saturday, March 26, 1927 in Prague, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of John William and Nettie Mae (Roby) Dean. Gerrye grew up in Prague. She attended Prague Schools, graduating from Prague High School in 1945. She married the love of her life, O. Wayne Howard in 1949 at the Prague United Methodist Church. The couple moved around the country following Wayne's work. Their journey led them to Wichita, Colorado, back to Prague and eventually to Tulsa, where they made their home for the remainder of their lives. Gerrye and Wayne were happily married for over 55 years, when he passed on November 9, 2004. Gerrye was a dedicated member of the St. Marks United Methodist Church in Tulsa for many years. She was very active in both her community and church. She enjoyed square dancing, round dancing, traveling and spending time with friends and family. Gerrye was known for her high heels. For many years, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels, where she was affectionately known as the "lady in the high heels." Though her stature was small, her presence and lovingness was large. She made a lasting impact on many and will be greatly missed. Gerrye was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of over 55 years, O. Wayne Howard; her son-in-law, Gary Gilliam; one grandson, Mark Gilliam and one sister, Freda "Elsie" Elsoleen (Dean) Waychoff. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Gilliam and Patti Huchteman; three grandchildren, Greg Gilliam and his wife, Nikki, Melody Henderson and her husband, Chris, and Alex Silva and three great-grandchildren, Justin Gilliam, Evan Henderson and Lyla Henderson. She is also survived by a host of family and friends. A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 11, 2022. The service will be held at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague and officiated by Rev. Barry Hayes. A graveside service will immediately follow at Prague Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague. An online guestbook is available at www.parksbrothers.net.