Elva Jean Terrell

Elva Jean Terrell

Born September 14, 1928, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, she passed away on August 18, 2020, at her home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She the daughter of E. R. McDaniel and Mary Magdalene (Bougher) McDaniel.

Jean attended Tulsa Public Schools graduating from Will Rogers High School in 1946. She also attended Oklahoma A&M College, in 1947 and 1948.

Jean was a very active mother and gave back to her community. Jean was a homeroom mother, Brownie Leader, and Cub Scout Den Mother. When her family was transferred to Dallas, Texas, Jean signed up her daughter, Anne, for Brownies. The district Brownie Council signed Jean up as the Brownie Leader for a new troop the same day. She also drover her daughter, Becky’s Jr. High cheerleading squad to football and basketball games as well as wrestling matches throughout the Tulsa Public School District.

Jean’s volunteer work also included raising money for the March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association as she walked door-to-door through Holliday Hills, arguably the best neighborhood in Tulsa, meeting and greeting the neighbors.

Jean and her daughter, Anne, formed a special bond during the 1964 Presidential election as Jean was a block walker for Barry Goldwater.

Jean raised her three children in a Christian home and wanted Anne, Becky and Tim to be active in a church youth group. Her family joined Asbury United Methodist Church. Every Sunday Jean would say, “Make sure your homework is done, you are going to MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship).” This statement was never in the form of a question.

Jean volunteered in later years for various projects at the church including Meals on Wheels.

Jean went back to work in 1981 at The William Companies, in a new Job Share Program, sharing a desk/position, working three days one week, two days the next week, 40 total hours, every two weeks.

Jean and Nelson married in 1953, divorced in 1984. Jean worked full time for several year, retiring from The Williams Companies in 1995.

Jean also enjoyed gardening but especially enjoyed playing tennis. She competed and won doubles tournaments at Williams and competed in several other tennis organizations. She truly enjoyed the camaraderie of doubles tennis and made many friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her brothers Ray, Bob and Jim, and nephew Raymond. She is survived by her daughters, Anne and Rebecca of Tulsa and son Tim (Paula) Humboldt, TN and grandson Daniel of Wixsom, MI; two nieces and six nephews.

Jean’s filter was diminished in her later years and she made some hilarious comments. Friends and family enjoyed her sense of humor. On occasion, she needed assistance from the Tulsa Fire Department and took that opportunity to say to these young men who helped her, “You are all SO good looking.” Other comments may be considered X-rated by some, so I will leave it there.

Your three children love you and will miss you, but know you are with Jesus and we will be reunited soon.