Lenora Lea Mead

Lenora Mead, 91 year old Woodward resident, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2023 in Woodward. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, June 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1111 Downs Avenue in Woodward, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of the Billings Funeral Home.
A loving wife, Mom, Gram and friend, Lenora was born July 11, 1931 in Estella, Oklahoma to Lester and Nellie Mae (Wayman) Hutcheson. Lenora spent her elementary through high school years in Jet, Oklahoma. Followed by her BS Degree in Elementary Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
She was united in marriage to the love of her life Thomas Newton Mead on May 25, 1958 at the First United Methodist Church in Woodward. They made their home in Woodward where Lenora taught Kindergarten and First Grade for over 34 years, retiring in 1988. Lenora continued to tutor children for the next 30 years. And enjoyed every minute of it! Finding a special place in her heart for each student!
Lenora made a difference in every life that crossed her path. She was humble, selfless and a constant prayer warrior. Proverbs 31:25 (which describes her well) She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women for many years as well as a dedicated member of the church prayer team. Lenora was the President of Sigma Sorority, President of Kappa Delta Pi and Delta Kappa Gamma. Lenora was involved in the community serving in the Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, Boy Scouts of America Den Mother, Girl Scouts of America, Free Spirit Pre-School Board of Directors, Art in Education Coordinator, Plains Indians and Pioneer Historic Foundation, the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alumni Board of Directors for several years, the National Education Association, Oklahoma Education Association, and the Woodward Education Association. She was also a member of the Circle Eighters Square Dance Club where she met Tom, "her forever sweetheart". Lenora was named Woodward's Teacher of the Year and Woodward County Teacher of the year in 1978. She was again chosen Woodward Teacher of the Year in 1986 by her peers.
Lenora is survived by her children, Kent Mead and wife Wendy of Stillwater, Kathy Wales and husband Jess of Woodward, Karl Mead and wife Elly of Kingwood, Texas; grandchildren, Chad and Amanda Mead, Cole Mead, Hattie Wales, Ally and Josh Wales, Skyler and Derek Hunter, Chelsea and Grant Rempel, Blaire Beauchamp, Ross, Paul and Gretchen Mead; great-grandchildren, Jake, Abby and Jude Mead, Colton Hughes, Channing Bell, Lenora and Judah Hunter, Parker Wales, Jett and Jax Wales, Brooks and Gracie Rempel; brothers Bill Leonard, Harlen Strait; sister Kay and Don Layton, sister Carol Buller, sister Cheryl and Rick George. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Preceded in eternal life by the love of her life (her prince) Tom Mead, her parents, sister Esther Marie, sisters Mae Leonard and Fae Strait, brothers Orville Canaan and Charlie Buller, brothers Roy Mead, Burton Mead and wife Betty, Dale Mead and wife Pris, Stan Mead and wife Jerri, nieces Tessa Martin and Jan Spruill, and grandson Jesse Wales IV.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Free Spirit Pre School with the funeral home accepting the contributions.
A sincere thanks to Dr. Kenan Kirkendall and Dr. Brenda Huenergardt and the medical staff of Woodward Alliance Health, who each genuinely attended to and took amazing care of Mom. She loved each of you dearly! Kylee, Lacy, Jaren, Debbie, Connie, Linda, Elizabeth, Erin, Amanda, Tamera, Audrey, Marisa, Tate, Grant, Morgan, Aaron, Eric, Dana, Shawnda, Stephanie, Brittany and Donetta. And to Marsha Hoock our amazing friend who spent endless hours by Moms side, you made a difference in our lives and in Moms. We love and appreciate you. And to all of you who prayed Mom and us through this, as well as cards, texts and visits. Thank You!!