Donna Sue (Gray) Patterson

Donna Sue (Gray) Patterson, 63, passed away March 20, 2022 at her home in Pawhuska surrounded by her family. Donna was born February 16, 1959 in Norman, Oklahoma to Joe and Thelma (Wadsworth) Gray. Donna attended Pawhuska High School where she met Danny Patterson, whom she later married.  Donna and Danny made their home in Pawhuska with their three children, Crystal, Sarah and Daniel. 

Donna had a passion for helping young children and families. She impacted the lives of many local families through her work at Pawhuska Head Start, many of her students still call her Ms. Donna. Donna stated that her years at Head Start helped her find her calling as an educator and helped her be a better mother. While working full time at Head Start, Donna managed to earn her associates degree at Rogers State University and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education through Northeastern State University.  Donna’s drive to help others and her natural ability to educate led her to a fulfilling career at Osage Nation W.I.C, where she worked as the Breastfeeding Coordinator until her retirement in 2021.  Donna found her second calling teaching young mothers about the many benefits of breastfeeding by encouraging and supporting them on their journey.  During her time at W.I.C Donna was active in COBA (Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Associates) and La Leche.

In her spare time Donna enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved and adored.  Donna enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in their many sporting activities as well as shopping and traveling. Donna was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan and never missed watching them play.

Donna is preceded in death by her father, Joe Gray Jr and her best friend and cousin Tricia Smith.  Donna is survived by her mother Thelma Morledge of Pawhuska, her brother Gary Gray of Pawhuska, Danny Patterson of Skiatook, Ok, her daughters Crystal (Patterson) Long and husband Adam of Pawhuska, Sarah Patterson of the home, her son Daniel Patterson of the home, her beloved grandchildren Kellie (Slater) Reyes, LillieAnn Thomas, Karlie Long and Kameron Long, her great grandchildren Preslee Reeves, Lukas, Landon and Parker Reyes, her beloved fur baby Tixie Marie, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 26, 1:00PM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Pawhuska.  

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