Gayla Lynn Cartwright's Obituary
Gayla Lynn Cartwright-Braker, 63, resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away February 17, 2021. Gayla was born April 3, 1957 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Roy and Mary Lue Cartwright.
Gayla was an opera debutante, however she eventully found her calling in working with children. She recieved her BA in Education. She was certified to teach K - 8th grades and had a special endorsement for language arts. She became certified in Great Expectations teaching methods (includes exposure to many languages, positive reinforcement, making lessons fun). Gayla was excellent in dealing with troubled youth; she was even able to persuade a fourth grader who was carrying a knife off the bus without issues. Her extra training allowed her to diagnose dyslexia; and using new techniques help them to read. She helped battered children come out of their shells and excel in school. She had at least 2 former students, one of them battered, that went on to become teachers because of her guidance.
Gayla's career included working for CPS; teaching at Warner and Union Schools and working for her family business, Tahlequah Abstract and Title, running loan closings. Gayla was recognized as newcomer of the year; rasing a lot of money for Red Cross. She was in a Social Sorority in Tahlequah and she also started a political woman's group and brought in various speakers to talk about current problems and issues. She was a local campaign manager for Jack Meldrin in his first running for Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma.
Gayla was preceded in passing by her parents, Roy Garland Cartwright and Mary Lue Cartwright(Potter). She is survived by her husband, Mark Braker; daughter, April Lynn Smithe and her husband, Jacob; her brother, Roy Cartwright and brother, Drew Cartwright; numerous nieces, nephews, family members, friends and her beloved dogs, Angel and Bezerkers.
Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be 12:30 pm, Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
Please use the link below to preview the webcasting of service
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/48695
What’s your fondest memory of Gayla?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gayla?
Share a story where Gayla's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gayla you’ll never forget.
How did Gayla make you smile?
