Sara Alexine Carlson

1935 - 2025

Sara Alexine Carlson

May 21, 1935 - March 23, 2025

Sara Alexine Wilson Carlson passed away peacefully surrounded by her three children March 23, 2025.

Sara was born to Alexine Crawford and Charles Brown Wilson on May 21,1935, at Hotel Dieu hospital in Paris, Texas. She grew up in Beaumont, Texas, in a family that included two younger brothers, Robert and Mark (both deceased).

Sara attended Beaumont public schools, Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., and Southern Methodist University in Dallas. At SMU, she met David Carlson, a graduate assistant, and they married on March 29, 1956.

Soon after, Sara and David moved to Tulsa when he joined Warren Petroleum Co. They had three children David Hjalmar Carlson, Jr. (Tulsa), Mark Crawford Carlson, wife Sheila Carlson(Tulsa) and Stephanie Carlson Brennan (Jackson, Wyo.) five grandchildren Rachel Carlson husband David Cardwell, David H. Carlson III, Patrick Brennan, wife Bailey Brennan, Robert Brennan, Zane Carlson and four great-grandchildren Tristan and Dakota Cardwell, Frances and Adelaide Brennan.

At her mother's encouragement, Sara went back to college at the University of Tulsa in 1968 "the best thing that ever happened to me." She was listed on the Dean's Honor Roll and earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1971.

Sara found her niche in the Tulsa City-Country Library System, first in the fine arts and media center at the Central Library, then transferred to the Brookside Library where she presented children's story hours and worked for 15 years.

The Carlsons joined All Souls Unitarian Church in 1964, and the church played a big part in Sara's life. She taught four-year-olds' church school, served on the Religious Education Board, was secretary on the Board of Trustees, twice president of the Day Alliance, on the Minister Search Committee and sang in the choir.

Sara's civic and community work included Children's Day Nursery, the Cerebral Palsy Association, Children's Day Nursery, Maple Ridge Garden Club, Gilcrease Museum's Gillies, Friends of the Library Board, Books Sandwiched In committee and various political campaigns. She was a devoted member of the Shakespeare Club, her book and bridge clubs.

Sara was passionate about her friends, family and her beloved dog Trudy. She loved her books, newspapers, staying involved with current events and social causes.

A celebration of the life of Sara Wilson Carlson will be held May 21st at 4 p.m. at All Souls Unitarian Church on what would have been her 90th birthday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Friends of the Tulsa City-County Library or All Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa Oklahoma.