Elizabeth Lunsford Obituary

Elizabeth Annette Lunsford, of Sulphur, Oklahoma, was born April 14,1959 in
Pauls Valley, to Kenneth Qualls & Odell Qualls (Boles), of Byars, Oklahoma.
She peacefully entered the world of the living, in her home in Sulphur at the age
of 65.
She grew up in Byars surrounded by a large loving family, attending Byars
Elementary and graduating from Stratford High School where she excelled in
basketball and track. While in high school, she met Steve Lunsford and in June
22, 1977, she married him. During their 19 years of marriage, they raised three
sons - becoming a mother, was a dream come true.
She then became a mother to many, when she started her daycare in May of
1982. This was her dream job. Mad-dashes in the mini-van to get everyone to
school on time, preparing meals and snacks, baby bottles, changing dirty
diapers, helping with homework, reporting to parents about "who bite who" and
"oh yeah, your child may have lice"- it was never too much for her. She loved
them all so much and was devastated when she had to give it up after twenty
years due to a major stroke in 2002.
After a long stay in the hospital and many physical therapy sessions, Annette
began a new path. The left side of her body was now weak and even though
she had to wheel around her text books in a roller bag from class to class, she
graduated from East Central University in spring of 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts
in criminal justice/juvenile justice.
She briefly worked as a youth care worker at the Ada Youth Shelter before being
hired to the State of Oklahoma, Department of Human Services - Developmental
Disabilities Services Division as a Case Manager in 2013. The opportunity to
work with disabled and developmentally challenged children and adults was yet
again, another perfect job for Annette. Her empathy for others and love for all,
quickly made her a favorite of all of her clients. She was full of joy when talking
about them. "God brought them to me," she would say. Eleven years later in
August of 2023, she retired.
Family was so special to Annette. Gathering with her siblings, visiting with her
Mom and Dad, quality time with her boys, listening to her sister Shelly and her
son Damon sing, sleepovers with her grandchildren and attending their sporting
events, brought her so much joy.
The majority of her life was spent in Stratford and in June of 2020, she moved to
Sulphur to be closer to her grandchildren.
Annette was an exceptional mother that cared for and nurtured her boys. She
was a proud and protective mother and she is a mother that will be missed by
her boys, terribly.
Preceded by; her father Kenneth Qualls, brother Randy Qualls, dear friend
Vianna Mcnair, and a special girl that stole her heart, Cassie Wood.
Survived by her mother; Odell Qualls, of Byars.
3 sons; Kenneth Lunsford, of Chicago, Brad Lunsford & wife Brittany, of
Sulphur, Damon Lunsford & wife Robyn, of Roff.
4 grandchildren; Konner Lunsford, Briley Miner, Brazlyn Lunsford, Vaida
Lunsford
2 sisters; Shelly Phelps & husband Jeff Holmes, of Oklahoma City,
Denise O'Neal & husband Mark, of Owasso, Ok
Sister-in-law; Anita Qualls, of Vanoss
4 brothers; Mark Qualls & wife Carol, of Prague, Oklahoma, John Qualls &
wife Georgia, of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, James Qualls & wife Mary, of
Stratford, Oklahoma, and David Qualls, of Byars, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be; Jarron Qualls, Kyle Qualls, John Qualls, Dalen Qualls,
Caleb O'Neal, Konner Lunsford.
Visitation will be ; 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Sunday January 5, 2025 in DeArman/Pickard Chapel Stratford, Oklahoma.
Services; will be 2:00 PM Monday January 6, 2025 in True Life Church south of Stratford on highway 177. Officiating; Matthew Brown. Burial will follow in Byars Cemetery, Byars, Oklahoma.