Mary Alice Clarkson Truss

August 17, 1943- October 31, 2014

Nichols Hills

Mary Truss, 71, slipped away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Mary was born to Connie and Sumter Clarkson in Oklahoma City, OK. She attended Cleveland Elementary, Taft Jr. High, and graduated from Northwest Classen High School in 1961. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966 from the University of Oklahoma.

On June 19, 1965, she married Nash Phillip Truss III. After a brief time in Dallas, TX, they made their home in Oklahoma City, and she began teaching at Eisenhower Jr. high and at several vo-tech locations in Oklahoma City. After teaching, Mary was always serving others by volunteering and working with many community organizations: The Junior League of OKC, Youth Services of Oklahoma County, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Heritage Hall School Board, Westminster School Board, and the S.P.A.R.K. mentoring program at Horace Mann Elementary. She was, also, always serving God and her church family as a devoted member, deacon, and elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She was president of the Women of Westminster, and a founding member of the Hannah Women’s Circle. In 2004, she became a Stephen Minister, and then a Stephen Leader. She was a great listener, and with her vibrant personality, caring nature, and twinkling smile was a friend to all. Mary and Phil enjoyed many years of family vacations and business travels, weekends at Lake Texoma, and going to OU games.

She is survived by her husband, Phil, of 49 years, her daughter, Holly Truss Carlin and husband Mark Carlin of Oklahoma City, and her son, Brad Truss of Oklahoma City. She cherished and loved spending time with her two grandchildren, McKenzie and Bryce Carlin. She is, also, survived by her sister Carolyn Clarkson Mee and husband John Mee, nephew Bill Mee, and nieces Deva Mee Jackson and Kathryn Mee Crabb, and by brother-in-law Jim Truss.

God sent an angel, Ludean Hytche, to help take care of her during the past 12 months. The family is grateful for her kind, gentle care and friendship. Thank you to very special friend, Rhonda Hefton, who gave Mary special love and attention. Also, the family is thankful for the many doctors and nurses that cared for her at Integris Baptist Medical Center over the last four years, and to Integris Hospice. To her many friends and community of faith, thank you for the countless prayers, meals, and thoughtfulness.

Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Monday, November 3, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church Foundation, 4400 N. Shartel, Oklahoma City, 73118 or to a charity or community organization of choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.