Elizabeth Tackwell

Born March 14, 1923, in Caney, Kansas, she lived in Oklahoma most of her life. She graduated from Skiatook High School in 1941. While attending The University of Oklahoma in 1945, she worked for Dr. George Cross and Dr. Winkler and lived in the Beta Theta Pi house while “the boys were off to war.” She and Joseph Jerry Tackwell had their first date at The Mont and married in 1946.

Mrs. Tackwell graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology in 1953 and received her Masters in Social Work from OU in 1962. She worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma City 1962-1997, retiring at the age of 74. She also worked for the Department of Health and Human Services 1958-1997, the Oklahoma Department of Public Welfare 1958-1961, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center as an Assistant Professor 1963-64, The University of Oklahoma School of Social Work as an Assistant Professor 1964-65, a consultant to extended care facilities across the state 1967-1975, and in private practice at Massey Psychiatric Clinic 1964-1969, Professional Corporation of Psychiatry and Psychology 1971-1992, and Associates in Psychiatry, Inc. 1972-1974. She also served on accreditation teams for the Federal Government to survey psychiatric facilities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

She was a member of the American Sociological Society 1953-1997, Oklahoma Health and Welfare Association 1961-1997, National Association of Social Workers 1962-1997, Academy of Certified Social Workers 1964-1997, and the American Association of University Professors 1967-1997. Honors include the Chi Omega Award for Scholastic Achievement 1953, Pi Gamma Mu National Honor Society, Who’s Who Among Human Services Professionals, Who’s Who of American Women, World Who’s Who of Women, NASW Oklahoma Chapter Social Worker of the Year 1975, National Association of Social Workers Oklahoma Chapter Life Time Achievement award for countless years of service and dedication to the community and profession 1996.

In the early 1970’s she worked on a presidential committee to require social workers in the state of Oklahoma to be licensed. In the first hours and days following the Murrow Building bombing she worked on-site to support families of the victims.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, two brothers, and her husband, Joseph Jerry Tackwell. Survivors include son Steven Tackwell and wife Cindy of Blanchard, daughter Tiana Tackwell and husband Don David of Broomfield, Colorado, daughter Christy Tackwell of Albuquerque, New Mexico, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A graveside service is planned at Osage Gardens Cemetery in Skiatook, Oklahoma.