Lillie Mae Henry's Obituary
Lillie Mae Henry, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on June 8, 2025 at the age of 95. Born on January 19, 1930, in Seminole, Oklahoma to Walter and Finetta Tyler, she was the fourth of five children. She was raised in Savannah, Oklahoma, and later moved to McAlester, where her values of faith, hard work, and deep compassion for others were formed during the challenging times of the Great Depression and World War II.
A graduate of McAlester High School, Lillie went on to attend business school in Fort Worth, Texas. At the age of 20, she met her sweetheart Wallace Henry at a skating rink, thanks to mutual friends. They were married on June 3, 1950, beginning a lifetime of love and partnership.
Lillie and Wallace started their family in McAlester, soon welcoming three children—Jerry, Connie, and Ralph. In 1956, they moved to Tulsa where Lillie began her lifelong career as a legal secretary, working many years for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before finishing her career as a paralegal at the Pray Walker law firm. She retired in 1995.
A woman of unshakable faith, Lillie was a devoted member of the Church of Christ. For 34 years she attended Garnett Church of Christ. She taught Sunday school for over 50 years and served faithfully in many ministries. Her faith was not just part of her life—it was the very core of it. Her joyful spirit was contagious, rooted in a deep and abiding relationship with the Lord. She had a heart for people and was known for her warm hugs, sparkling eyes, and genuine love that made everyone feel seen and cherished.
In her later years at Prairie House Assisted Living, she became a beloved presence as the community’s unofficial greeter, offering "Miss Lillie’s Hugs" to all who crossed her path. When asked why people loved her so much, she humbly replied, “When you treat others the way you want to be treated, that’s the way it comes back.”
She deeply loved her family—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She also cherished her siblings and often said she helped raise her baby sister. Their bond remained strong throughout their lives.
Lillie’s life was a radiant example of what it means to love big—wholeheartedly and unconditionally. She lived out her favorite scripture, Exodus 15:2: "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory."
She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Finetta Tyler; her husband Wallace Henry; her siblings Freeman Tyler, Walter Tyler Jr., Minnie Kelly, and Annette Parker; and her son-in-law, Mike Alred.
She is survived by her children: Jerry Henry and wife Arlene, Connie Alred, and Ralph Henry and wife Vickie; her six grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends who were blessed by her life and love.
If Lillie could leave you with one piece of advice, it would simply be this: "LOVE BIG."
For those that are not able to attend the service in person, Floral Haven Funeral Home will be livestreaming the service. To attend the service virtually please utilize the link below.
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/113321
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