Mary Lou Boykin

Graveside services for Mary Lou Boykin, of Soper, Okla., were held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2023 at Soper Cemetery.

Mary Lou (Albertson) Boykin was born on Oct. 18, 1937 in Alma, Ark., the daughter of Raymond Cecil Albertson and Cora (Freeman) Albertson. She passed away from this life on June 7, 2023 in Durant, Okla., at the age of 85. She married Haston Jess Boykin, Sr. on Oct. 17, 1953 in Las Cruces, N.M. Together they lived and raised their family in Soper. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Haston Boykin, Sr.; parents, Raymond and Cora Albertson; brother, J.R. Albertson; sisters: Beverly Wagner and Helen Davenport; and a grandson.

Mary enjoyed working with flowers, going to church and doing crafts. She had a strong will and fought for what was hers. Mary was a caregiver.

She cared for her husband for almost 40 years while he was sick. Mary was a member of the Victory Assembly of God Church of Rattan. She loved the Lord and truly enjoyed attending every chance she could. Most of all, she loved her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Mary is survived by her sons: Haston Boykin, Jr. of Soper, Tony Boykin and wife of Hugo; daughters: Donna Francies and husband of Hugo, Valerie Needham and husband of Soper; brothers: David Albertson and wife of Pocola, Okla., Bill Albertson of Oklahoma; sisters: Gayle Kannedi and husband of Pocola, Betty Risley of Pocola; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Bro. Jonathan McDaniel and Bro. Sam Boykin officiated the service, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.