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1924
2016
December 16, 1924 - October 13, 2016 NEWCASTLE Rae (Weatherall) Brown Gragg was welcomed to her heavenly home on October 13, 2016. She was born on December 16, 1924, in Coweta, OK, and the family moved to Oklahoma City when times were hard after the Depression. Her father, George Weatherall, owned a shoe shop and her mother, Ada, took in ironing and did housekeeping. Although those days were tough for everyone, they were also magical. Rae could walk everywhere, go to the skating rink, and occasionally, have a nickel for a Coca-Cola. As trying as the times were, Rae found the bright side and told great stories about "hog killin" and fresh chicken dinners. She learned the lifelong values of pride, honesty, grit, and faith. Rae has always been a natural beauty with the perfect combination of wit and intelligence that made her magnificent to all! Rae graduated from Central High School in 1943 and ventured to California. Although she had no formal education, she landed a job as a draftsman for Cannon Electric. In 1944, she married George Mossholder, and in 1946 (after the war), the two moved back to Oklahoma. Their daughter, Meridith, was born shortly after they returned. Rae began working for the Department of Transportation in 1949 and had a career that spanned 44 years. She worked with Republicans and Democrats alike as Secretary to the Highway Commission. She was respected by everyone for her immense efficiency and talents. In 1952, Rae married John Brown, and the two had a daughter, Robin. In 1964, the family moved to a small farm in the Deer Creek school district and was quickly embraced by the community. Basketball was the only game in town so John and Rae never missed a game. Rae was the "Nuther Mother" to all the kids. Everyone was welcome, anytime, for fresh biscuits and gravy, or just some home spun advice. After retirement, Rae learned to play golf, tennis, and was a member of the "Tarpley Tappers." She approached these activities with the same "Can Do" attitude that made her who she was. She also played the piano for the Bethel Church, and often said, "I don't play too well, but I'll always show up!" Rae was an active member of Silk Stockings, Bible Study Fellowship and multiple book clubs. In 2004, Rae was reunited with her friend of 45 years, Hubert Gragg. Their love was forever bonded when they were married in 2011. They enjoyed the last years of their lives traveling and being together on their farm. Rae had many talents! She could sew anything from draperies to a suit that looked like it was bought from Neiman Marcus. She cooked mouth-waterin', home cookin' (no recipes needed). She could entertain a crowd, from one to one hundred making each person feel that they were the most special person in the room. She exercised before exercise was cool and was an entrepreneur before that college was invented. No matter what she did, she did it with her entire heart and soul. "If you're going to do it, you might as well do it right!" Rae was preceded in death by John Brown; sister, Agnes; brother, Raymond; and sons-in-law, Paul Brown II and Neil Purdie. She is survived by her husband, Hubert; and daughters, Meridith Brown and Robin Purdie; grandchildren, Paul Brown III (Mindy), Greg Brown (Liz), Doug Puride (Lynn), Rod Purdie (Kari), Colin Purdie, and Raegan Purdie (David) Flores; great-grandchildren, Price, Paxton, Chloe, Hannah, Laura, Lauren, Liam, Rowan, Maggie, Jack, Owen, and Moira; stepson, Jonathan Gragg, and son, Conrad; step-grandson, Zack (Aubrey), children, Owen, Gage, and Fiona; nephew, Bob Olive (Mary); niece, Becky Payne (Ron); and beloved great- nieces and nephews and cousins. The family wishes to convey the deepest gratitude to Dr. Paul Carlisle and the many health care workers that have cared for our Mom and Grandmother. Your kindness will never be forgotten! Visitation will be held October 17, 2016, at Baggerley Funeral Home, 12-8 p.m. Family will receive friends 4-6 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Edmond, OK.
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2 Entries
I worked for ODOT in Ada for 30 yrs (1960-1990) and was well acquainted with Rae Brown. She was in our Division Office on occasions and I was in the OKC Office and we visited. She was a very special person to know and I am so happy to have known her during my years with the State Department of Transportation. Thank you Rae Brown for you kindness!!
Wanda Privett
October 17, 2016
Ms. Brown (I always knew her by that name!) was not only a wonderful patient but friend as well. We made an immediate connection when she first came to see me 15 or so years ago because she had known my dad when he served on the State Highway Commission. It was always a delight to see her in the clinic, and after discussing her medical problems we often carved out time to simply visit. She faced her illness with courage and acceptance but also a determination to live life as fully as possible. She will be sorely missed.
Paul Carlile MD
October 16, 2016
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