Mary Nelle Packard

November 29, 1924 - January 25, 2021

Mary Nelle Packard was born in Plainview, Texas on Saturday, November 29, 1924 one of six children to A.J. and Opal (Stidham) McKinzey. She passed from this life to her eternal home in heaven on Monday, January 25, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 96. Mary Nelle was the only daughter, with 5 brothers; two older and three younger, although she never admitted to being spoiled. Times were tough growing up in the 1920’s and 30’s. Her parents farmed and had to move about every two years to find work. Sometimes the kids wouldn’t even be able to start school in the fall until after the crops were in. They moved to Salina, Oklahoma for Mary Nelle’s junior and senior years of high school and she became the Salutatorian of her senior class of 1943. She loved being a mom and was primarily a homemaker but worked at times in the family business in Pryor, Oklahoma called Packard Brothers Motor Company. She was President of the PTA at school and enjoyed sewing. Sue remembers her making every formal dress she wore for special events when she was growing up. Mary Nelle was a particularly good cook, making homemade bread and pies of all kinds. Her husband loved her cornbread and beans. She loved holidays, but especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. She had a beautiful soprano voice and used her gift well. She and Glen would lend their soprano and tenor voices to quartets. They sang for countless weddings and funerals at the Pryor Church of Christ. Mary Nelle also enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles from the daily newspaper. She found interests in every phase of life but we know she’s enjoying this one most of all. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests planting a perennial in her honor and remembering Mary Nelle when it emerges each spring. She is survived by: Daughter, Sue Brewer of Broken Arrow Son, Steve Packard (Brenda) of Fayetteville, Arkansas Grandchildren: Hanna LaBiche (Brent); Adam Brewer (Tammy); Drew Packard; Zack Packard (Lacey); and Wes Packard Great Grandchildren: McKinzey LaBiche; Aaron Brewer; Eli Brewer; and Savanna LaBiche, Alex Packard She was preceded in death by her parents: A.J. and Opal McKinzey; Husband: Glen Packard; Son: Tom Packard; and brothers: Harold McKinzey, Wes McKinzey, Reuben McKinzey, Bob McKinzey and Bill McKinzey