Lela "Arlene" (Cole) Mathews

Lela Arlene (Cole) Mathews, known affectionately as Arlene to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK at the age of 91 years. She was born on March 3, 1933, in Haskell, OK to Cecil and Bertha Lenora (Davenport) Cole. Arlene's life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and joy that touched the hearts of everyone she knew.

Arlene's early years were spent in the close-knit community of Haskell, where she attended school and graduated from Haskell High School. Her thirst for knowledge and skill development led her to Draughon's Business School, where she honed the administrative abilities that would serve her well throughout her career.

In 1952, Arlene married Carl L. Easley, in Coweta, OK. Arlene's role as a mother was one she cherished deeply, and her love and guidance were the cornerstones of her family's happiness.

Arlene's professional life was marked by her unwavering work ethic and her ability to connect with people. She began her career at Bell Telephone Company in Coweta and later worked at TG&Y, where her exceptional service earned her the title of salesperson of the week on multiple occasions. Her career path also included several insurance agencies, such as Tri State Insurance, Gorden Derrick Insurance, Jack Merryfield Insurance, Hicks Robinson-Halbrook Insurance, and Phil Carter Insurance, from which she retired. She served on the county election boards, and every year looked forward to working at the Tulsa State Fair ticket booths. Arlene's dedication to her work was paralleled only by her commitment to her family and community.

Outside of work, Arlene's passions were many and varied. She loved fishing, square dancing, and traveling, creating countless cherished memories. Arlene also found solace and joy in her garden, where she cultivated both flowers and friendships. Her hands were rarely still, as she enjoyed crocheting beautiful pieces for her loved ones. These hobbies were not just pastimes but extensions of Arlene's generous spirit and love for life.

Arlene is lovingly survived by her two daughters, Linda Sullivan (Dennis) of Coweta, OK, and Carla Long (Leslie) of Coweta, OK; her ten grandchildren, Angie Foster (Leon), Shelley Foster (Brock), Dwight Long (Jackie), Jerel Long, Elaina Brown (Rondell), Andrea King (Steven), Tiffany Walker, Stephanie McHolland, Dana Brewer, and David Easley II; her fifteen great grandchildren, Makayla Foster, Bethany Foster, Olivia Foster, Hanna Claxton (Garett), Michael Long, Anthoney Long, Jerelyn Easter (Tyler), Lynzee Carmichael, Logan Carmichael, Abel King, Elijah King, Destiny McHolland, Carson Palmer, Chance Brewer, and Cody Boston; her three great-great grandchildren, Emersyn Easter, Stratton Easter, and Blair Elizabeth Claxton; and the addition of another two (great and great-great) grandbabies on the way, her brothers, Bill Cole (Billie Bess), Norman Cole (Betty), and Everett Cole (Linda); her sisters, Karen Antu (Ramino) and Doris Cole; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas Mathews, her parents, Cecil and Bertha Lenora Cole, her son, David Easley, her brothers, Robert Cole, and Doyle Cole, and her sister, Shirley Dean.

Her warmth, kindness, and indomitable spirit will be forever remembered and celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation for Arlene will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, from 12:00 - 8:00 PM at Brown Funeral Home in Coweta, OK, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Services celebrating Arlene's life will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Brown Funeral Home Chapel in Coweta, OK, officiated by Keno Shrum. Arlene will be laid to rest at Vernon Cemetery in Coweta, OK.

Serving as Pallbearers are: Dwight Long, Jerel Long, Brock Foster, Leon Foster, David Easley II, and Logan Carmichael. Honorary Pallbearers are: Bill Cole, Norman Cole, Evertt Cole, Dennis Sullivan, and Leslie Long.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Lela Arlene Mathews has entrusted her care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.