Gladys Craighead

Gladys (Lee) Craighead, age 89, of Vian, Oklahoma, passed away on February 20, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born on February 5, 1937, in Barber, Oklahoma, to Lucille (Eden) Lee and William P. Lee.

A member of Blackgum First Baptist Church, Gladys dedicated her life to her family and community. She worked as a housekeeper, demonstrating her unwavering work ethic and commitment to those around her.

She leaves behind her son, Chuck Craighead and Shannon of Vian, OK, along with a loving legacy that includes eight grandchildren: Connie Titus, Jeremy York, Michael Randolph, Holly McElhaney, Zachary Randolph, Cale Gillespie, Noah Craighead, and Dalton Pendergrass. Additionally, she cherished her numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and is survived by her sisters, Bonnie Silk of Oklahoma City, OK, and Eva Lee of Fort Gibson, OK, her brother, William Lee of Ponca City, OK, and many more relatives and friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Rhonda York and Sherry Pendergrass; one son, Mike Randolph; three sisters, Hiawatha Cloud, Christine Waters, and Bernice Ellis; and three brothers, Albert Lee, J.C. Lee, and Donel Lee.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Blackgum Baptist Church in Vian, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Box Cemetery in Vian, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Active pallbearers will include Darrell McElhaney, Michael Randolph, Dalton Pendergrass, McKennon McElhaney, Cale Gillespie, and Noah Craighead.

Family and friends are invited to view from 1 PM to 8 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, OK, where the family will be present to greet guests from 6 PM to 8 PM.

In honoring her memory, let us reflect on the love and kindness she shared throughout her life. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.