Lena "Granny" Garrison

Lena "Granny" Garrison, age 91, of Gore, Oklahoma, passed away on July 19, 2025. She was born on February 20, 1934, in Gore to Buck and Maoma (Williams) Thomas.

Lena was married to Garner Garrison on November 3, 1952, in Van Buren, Arkansas.  Lena was an exceptional cook, renowned for her delicious biscuits and gravy, peach cobbler, and popular peanut brittle during the Christmas season. She loved sharing her recipes and created many fond memories around the dining table.

In addition to her culinary talents, Lena was a passionate gospel singer who dedicated much of her time to music. She attended numerous singing schools and later taught many within her church, House of Prayer. Her influence on aspiring singers is a testament to her talent, as many have credited her with helping them find their voices.

Lena's legacy as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother will be treasured by all who knew her. 

She is survived by her husband, Garner Garrison; her daughter, Diana and Roger Ellis; her son, Charles Garrison; and her three grandchildren, Brittany Powell and Chase, Sean Garrison and Ashley, and Heather Garrison, along with numerous great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.

Lena was preceded in death by her daughter, Teresa Jane; her grandson, Ryan Garrison; her parents, Buck and Maoma Thomas; her siblings: Ruby Andrews, Nathlee Newton, Pauline Beach, Mike Thomas, Melvin Thomas, and Frank Thomas; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Garrison; and her son-in-law, Jimmy Don Blackburn.

A funeral service to celebrate Lena's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the House of Prayer in Gore. Burial will follow at White Cemetery, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Active pallbearers will include Pete Garrison, John Thomas, Steve Francis, Tom Barnes, Charles Hughart, and Billy Jay Newton, with honorary pallbearers Charles Garrison, Diana Blackburn, Shawn Garrison, Roger Ellis, Brittany Powell, and Heather Garrison.

Lena will be deeply missed, and her love and smile will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.