Obituary for Garlena Vickers

Garlena Rebecca (Standridge) Vickers, a beloved wife, mother, Grammy, Great-Grammy, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at her home in Heavener May 13, 2025 at the age of 79.  She was born in Muskogee Nov. 17, 1945 to Garland Roland and Lula Myrtle (Casey) Standridge.

A memorial service to celebrate Garlena’s life is 4 p.m. Saturday at Heavener First Baptist Church with Brother Sam Dyer, Brother Jerry Williams and Pastor Brock Hardin officiating.  Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Garlena is preceded in death by her parents, Garland and Myrtle Standridge; her sisters, Anna Lou Denny and Bettie Arnold-Reynolds; and one brother, Wayne Standridge.

Garlena graduated from Eufaula High School in 1963. She attended Eastern Oklahoma A & M College in Wilburton where she earned her Associates Degree. It was at Eastern Oklahoma A & M where Mike and her met. They married Aug. 28, 1965. After marrying, they moved to California and had their first son, Michael, in 1968. After leaving the service in 1970, Mike and Garlena moved to Tulsa, where Garlena worked at Southwestern Bell. While living in Tulsa, in 1974, they had their second son, Todd. Soon after having Todd, Mike, Garlena, and their family moved to Heavener. After moving to Heavener, Garlena was a dedicated stay at home mom. She was very involved in her boy’s sports, school, and church activities. Garlena went on to work as a loan officer at First National Bank – Heavener Branch and later as the Secretary for Heavener High School.

In 2006, Garlena was diagnosed with Stage 4 Multiple Myeloma Cancer. Through her journey of fighting cancer, Garlena continued to find joy, shower others with love and never waivered in her faith. Garlena was a proud mom and grandma. No matter how much pain or sickness she was experiencing, she was always fighting so she could be actively present in her grandchildren’s lives. She enjoyed attending and watching their sports activities, plays, graduations, celebrating birthdays or any special occasion. Garlena is the perfect example of selflessness, by always putting others needs above her own. Garlena will be missed by all whom knew and loved her.

Garlena is survived by her husband of 59 years, Mike Vickers, of the home; her children Michael Vickers and wife Cindy of Damascus, Arkansas, and Todd Vickers of Heavener; Garlena “Grammy” was blessed with five grandchildren, which were the highlight of her life: Haleigh (Vickers) Bramlett and husband Carson of Greenbrier, Arkansas, Lakota Vickers of Norman, Jastyn Vickers of West Little Rock, Arkansas, Sada Vickers of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Jacob Vickers of Fort Smith, Arkansas; one great-grandchild, Georgia Bramlett; a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends that she touched with warmth and love.

The family wants to give a special thanks to all who have supported Mike and her with prayer, visits, cards, calls, and love throughout their journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the 20^th Century Club of Little Rock – Hope Away From Home (20^th Century Home provides free lodging and meals to patients undergoing Multiple Myeloma Cancer treatments) in memory of Garlena Vickers. Call 501-907-1760 for donation assistance and the website is www.hopeawayfromhome.org. Flowers can be sent to Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home 710 US Highway 270, Heavener, Oklahoma 74937.

Pallbearers are Butch Gilstrip, Tommy Newcomer, David Grubbs, Sr., Chad Arnold, Clint Judd, Carson Bramlett, Brian Franklin, Craig Miller, Bubba Sturgeon, Terry Stites, Dusty Alexander, David Grubbs, Jr., Nathan Janway, Kendall Stacy and Brian Hooper.

The family will have visitation with friends immediately following the memorial service Saturday at the church.

To sign Garlena’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.