Connie Ann Smallwood

Constance Ann "Connie" Smallwood passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 22, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on August 6, 1949, in South Portsmouth, Kentucky, to Chester and Rosetta (Mayfield) Combs.

Connie married Larry Smallwood, and together they shared 49 years of marriage, beginning with a honeymoon in Eureka Springs. Over the years, they often returned there to visit and enjoy the memories they made together. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who balanced her family life with a long career as a nurse in cardiology, intensive care, recovery, home health and hospice. Her compassion and dedication to caring for others were evident both in her work and in her relationships with those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Rosetta Combs, sister and brother-in-law Patricia and Robert Thompson, and grandchild Alexis Smallwood. She is survived by her husband, Larry; her children, Princess Stufflebeam (Richard), Rebekah Henderson (Jeffrey), and Joshua Smallwood (Onnah); and her grandchildren, Zachary Gleaton, Maddox Gleaton, Colin Gleaton, Lorelai Gleaton, Isaac Smallwood, Joseph Smallwood, Amelionna Smallwood, and Judah Henderson. Being "Nene" to her grandchildren was the greatest joy and most meaningful role of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Rosetta Wiedmer (Joseph) of Ypsilanti Michigan, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Connie had a lifelong love of music and enjoyed singing in her church choir. She attended Victory Church in Tulsa and drew strength from her faith. Earlier in life, she worked as a beautician and took great pride in her appearance - her hair was always perfectly in place, and she was known for her polished and put-together style.

She enjoyed shopping for clothes, watching movies, tending her plants, sewing and gardening. Connie loved musicals, especially Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Sound of Music. She also appreciated life's simple pleasures - a slice of veggie or Hawaiian pizza, a salad with cookies, sweets, and time spent with her loved ones. She had a few quirks that her family came to know well and love about her, the kind that made her uniquely Connie.

Connie will be remembered for her independence, her meticulous nature, and her unwavering love for her family - especially her grandchildren, who brought her the greatest happiness.