Claudette Sue Pritchard

Funeral services for Claudette Pritchard will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Memorial Heights Baptist Church, with burial following at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Claudette Sue Pritchard passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024, surrounded by her family as she went to meet her Lord and Savior. She was 87 years old. She was born on September 19, 1937, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to Claude and Vivian (Ransom) Pickering. Claudette spent her early years in Paris, Texas. She was a drum majorette in high school. The family moved to Oklahoma City her senior year of high school, where she graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1955. She continued her education at the University of Oklahoma, where she met Jerry Eugene Pritchard. They married on August 25, 1957. Claudette worked for Oklahoma National Bank while Jerry finished his degree at OU. The couple’s first child, Tanara, was born prematurely in June of 1958 and passed away five days later. Their second child, Bret, was born in June of 1959 and their third child, Kevin, was born in August of 1960. Once Jerry graduated from college and began work with the Corp of Engineers, the couple moved to Sapulpa during the building of Keystone Lake. Jerry’s job took the family to following towns: Powderly, TX, De Queen, AR and El Dorado, KS. It was while the family lived in Powderly that their fourth child, Deidra, was born in May of 1969. During these early years Claudette and family liked to spend time camping at Texoma Lake. In 1980 the family moved to Claremore, Oklahoma. All during this time, Claudette dedicated herself to raising their family while occasionally working jobs that fit around the family’s schedule.

Once her children were older, Claudette decided to reenter the workforce, spending several years in healthcare, working with local doctors and Claremore Regional Hospital. Claudette was known for being servant hearted. She thrived on helping others. Claudette has served in children’s ministry all throughout her life. Most recently she was an active member of Memorial Heights Baptist Church, where she had taught Sunday School, led in Vacation Bible School, and contributed to children’s ministry.

In her free time, Claudette enjoyed engaging in arts and crafts, caring for her flower garden, and cooking. Her greatest joy, however, came from spending time with her family. Her signature meal that she made when the family would gather was chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and chocolate mousse. She was also known for her dill pickles, tabouli and party mix. Baking and decorating birthday cakes for her grandchildren was another tradition she enjoyed. 

Claudette was preceded in death by her parents Claude and Vivian Pickering, brother Creighton Pickering and daughter Tanara Pritchard. 

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Pritchard; her son, Bret Pritchard and wife Julie; her son, Kevin Pritchard and wife Lori; her daughter, Deidra Holderman and husband George. She is also survived by grandchildren Devin Pritchard and wife Traci; Haley Olson and husband Shane; Trent Pritchard and wife Rachelle; Gentry Nevatt and husband Gabe; Drake Holderman and wife Andrea; Chase Holderman and wife Abby; Addy Young and husband Abe; Jenna Holderman; fifteen great grandchildren with one more on the way; sister-in-law Carole Pickering and several nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in Claudette's name to: 

Memorial Heights Baptist Church 1500 W Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017 

Porta Caeli Hospice House https://cceok.org/donate/