Iva Maybelle Hollingshead's Obituary
Iva Maybelle Hollingshead passed away the morning of Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Clarehouse in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 87. She was born on September 18, 1930 in Fairfax, Oklahoma. She graduated high school in Chase, Kansas in 1948. She received a Bachelor of Science at Oklahoma Baptist University in 1956, and a Masters of Religious Education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 1959. She earned a Master of Education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1966, and a Doctorate in Education at Oklahoma State University in 1972. She was ordained by Victory Christian School in 1991.On July 10th, 1962 she married the love of her life, Thomas (Tommy to her) Hollingshead. They remained happily married and very much in love until his death in 2013.An energetic and tireless educator and student throughout her life, Maybelle was a certified: School Superintendent, Secondary and Elementary Principal, Elementary Teacher, Early Childhood, Reading Specialist, Psychometrist / Diagnostician, Special Education, and Jr. High: Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science.Maybelle served at Victory Christian School for 15 years, first as principal and then as Director of Curriculum and Development.During her career she held multiple positions at higher education institutions, including: Adjunct Professor at Oral Roberts University Assistant Professor of Education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University; Associate Professor of Elementary Education at Oklahoma Baptist University; and Professor of Elementary Education at Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts.Those who were lucky enough to know her, knew that she had a deep and abiding love of the Lord as well as to helping her fellow man. Each educational position she held and each of the educational endorsement she earned was taken because she saw a need and a way to improve her service to the Lord and to those around her. She worked “as unto the Lord” and taught her family that, “if no one else notices your work, God does, and He will reward you.” She was focused and intentional, kind-hearted and fun.In retirement she continued her service to others: as a chaplain for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), leading bible study & prayer groups, and even exercise classes at local retirement homes.She is survived by her sons Clayton Hollingshead and wife Jessica of Denver, Colorado, and Joe Hollingshead of Tulsa, daughter, Dr. Marilyn Jo and husband Bradley Ward of Jacksonville, Florida and two grandchildren, Thomas Joseph and Grace Marie Ward. Funeral Service to be held Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
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