Sherry Ann McClain's Obituary
Sherry was born November 18th, 1944 in Tulsa Oklahoma, She passed from this life on April 20th, 2026 at the age of 81 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents Loren and Ruthie Thompson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, And her husband William Dirl McClain of Cleveland Oklahoma and son Rick Lee McClain of Sapulpa Oklahoma. She was next to the youngest of 8 brothers and sisters who proceded her in death. She is survived by one son, W. Dirl McClain and daughter in law Carmellia McClain of Tahlequah, Oklahoma and 5 grandchildren, 1 step grandson and 11 great grandchildren.
Sherry grew up in Tulsa, she attended Central High school, class of 1963. After high school she became a waitress at Wards Restaurant on Charles Page Blvd. There she met a young man who she thought was a dwed and a show off but she went out with him anyway. Her father approved of him, since he was a likeable friendly guy that could fix things. Even though he couldn’t dance, she married him, at the Tahlequah court house December 18th, 1963. He was 23 years old and she was 19 years old.
She became a homemaker and a mother of 2 sons. This was the joy of her life. She made people feel welcome at home. She always asked if someone would like something to eat or drink. Especially if they were hungry, she would feed them. She was a good cook, she knew how to tweak the recipes and make them better. She was the traditional mom of her time, telling her boys to go outside and play in this nice weather. She yelled out the door when it was time to come home. They could here her a block away and her boys came running. Their family loved going camping, They took camping trips to all the surrounding lakes in Oklahoma. She enjoyed holidays and did not tolerate any drama, she would say we are here to visit. She would cook the best Broccoli casserole at Thanksgiving and the kid’s favorite Banana Nut Bread at Christmas
When her children were graduating from high school, she took a custodian job at the University of Tulsa and became a Supervisor. She enjoyed her time there, then went to work for Tulsa Public Schools and retired at age 62.
She became her husband’s care-giver during his battle with cancer. She was firm, she would say, “Don’t think you’re going to get your way. You go get your medicine. And take it.” Though all the good and the rough times, they were inseparable. It took a toll on her at his passing. When her son Rick died 3 months later, it affected her health. Through this grief she found comfort in listening to the Gathers. She loved the Gather’s gospel songs. The music kept her sane.
She enjoyed reading books, she liked scary novels by Stephen King and going to the drive-in movies. She listened to country music by Lorretta Lynn & Conway Twity and Mel Tillis. She would do picture puzzles and loved playing dominos all her life. In her younger days she would go to her parents house to play and in her later days she was a domino pro at the nursing center.
She spent the last 5 years at the Cherokee County Nursing Center in Tahlequah, where they provided her excellent care. She became friends with many there. She will be missed by residents and staff. On her last Birthday, her family gave her a Minny Mouse. She was so happy and said, “Today is her Birthday too.” It was unknown to her family but found true. Minny Mouse was created Nov 18, 1928. Several years older than Sherry.
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