Anita Joyce Gravett Tackett passed from this life into eternal life on Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Born in Wewoka, Oklahoma, September 15th, 1938 to James Floyd Gravett and Iona Dell Cross during the height of the Great Depression - The Dust Bowl Days. Her roots were in Guthrie. Her great grandfather homesteaded there in the 1889 Oklahoma Land Run. She was a real “Okie.”
Anita attended Guthrie schools. During her school years, she was very outgoing and had many friends. Anita participated in band, cheerleading, and an All Girls Club. She graduated from the Class of 1957. After high school, Anita attended Cottey College for Women in Nevada, Missouri. After that, she went to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Upon graduation, Anita received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics.
Anita met her first husband in Stillwater, Deryl Parker, and then after graduation, they moved to Ellis County, Oklahoma, in 1961 where they raised three boys on a ten section horse and cattle ranch. During this period, she began her teaching career in Higgins, Texas, where she taught 5th Grade Home Economics. Later, Anita served as a County Extension Agent in Ellis County.
After Anita’s marriage came to an end with Deryl, she decided to further her education by attaining a Masters Degree at Southwest Oklahoma State University. From there, she moved to La Junta, Colorado, and taught Early Childhood Development at Otero Junior College.
Anita came from a long line of hardworking religious people. She was a Christian, a Republican, and a Patriot. Anita supported the U.S. wars and the servicemen who continue to fight them. She loved her country, and never let anyone forget it. Anita was very proud of her heritage.
Anita was high spirited, knew how to enjoy life, and had many interests. She enjoyed taking on new challenges, remodeling homes, and building things. Anita was a huge OSU football fan, she learned to snow ski, rafted rivers, took up arts and crafts. She liked to shoot pool. Anita passionately loved music and dancing her entire life. On top of that, Anita had a strong sense of style and fashion presence. Always a turquoise jewelry wearing peacock.
In 1980, Anita moved to Edmond, which would be her forever home. Here she taught school, sold real estate, and met the love of her life, Doyle Tackett. They enjoyed thirty plus years together where Anita was able to flourish as an artist. At this point in her life focusing on oil painting, wood working, pottery, and making jewelry. As a couple, they thrived collaborating side-by-side designing and creating furniture.
Anita was preceded in death by her parents, James Floyd Gravett and Iona Dell Cross; stepfather, Jim Guilford; sisters, Norma Gayle Gravett and Debbra Simmons; brothers, Charles and Joe Gravett; husband, Doyle Tackett; and grandson, Jeremy Parker.
She leaves behind her son, Scott Parker and wife Tami of Arnett, Oklahoma; son, Chuck Parker and wife Janice of Huntersville, North Carolina; son, Ben Parker and Catherine of Santa Monica, California; grandchildren: Amanda Parker of Edmond, Oklahoma, Jessica Ewell and husband Brandon of Mooresville, North Carolina, and Charlie Parker and Laura Parker of Charlotte, North Carolina; great-grandchildren: Ava and Austin Parker, of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Caleb and Leah Ewell of Mooresville, North Carolina; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
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