Claudia Crafton went to be with the Lord on March 26, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 70. She was surrounded and dearly loved by her family. Known for her devout faith, caring heart, and desire to help friend and stranger alike, Claudia left an indelible mark on the world around her.

A nearly lifelong native of Tulsa, Claudia was born on June 6, 1953 to Allen and Ernestine Eddington. She grew up in a lively household with her younger siblings, Karen and Allen. Some of her fondest childhood memories included attending Camp Kanakuk in Missouri, lifeguarding at the YMCA, and being active at Asbury United Methodist Church. She graduated from Memorial High School in Tulsa in 1971 and received her Bachelor of Science from Oral Roberts University in 1975. At Oral Roberts, she was active in intramural sports. It was also where she met Gary, the love of her life and life-long partner of nearly 51 years. Following Oral Roberts, Claudia taught for a year at Tulsa Christian Academy and worked in medical transcription, enjoying a few kid-free years with Gary and their friends.

Claudia and Gary settled in south Tulsa, where they raised a family; first introducing the world to Will and then Laura. Devoted to her children, Will and Laura were raised in a house focused on the importance of family, faith, and traditions; especially a love of cooking (particularly Southern recipes in the spirit of her mom) and celebrating holidays. A holiday would never go by for her children or grandchildren without a little note from Santa, the tooth fairy, or a spooky decoration; memories and traditions her children have taken to their families. During this time, Claudia worked part-time for Tulsa Orthopedic Associates, where she did medical transcription, billing, but most importantly, formed many lasting relationships. The remaining time was spent with her family; shuttling kids to and from their activities and being active at her church, Church of the Holy Spirit Episcopal.

In addition to her family, Claudia’s greatest impact can be seen in those who knew her. She was known for making fast friends of strangers, turning brief encounters into lasting friendships. One of her greatest assets was her ability to love people for who they were. Loving them right where they were in life, Claudia’s heart was boundless when it came to friends or strangers in need. An empath who wanted to alleviate the pain or struggles that life brings for others, Claudia was someone who shared peace and wisdom, which often felt like a hug to the soul. (And her actual hugs made you feel engulfed in love and safety.) Since her passing, the common thread in conversations with all those she met and touched, is that Claudia was a deeply kind, insightful, thoughtful, comforting, and loving soul.

Later in life, Claudia spent time enjoying the relationships with those she loved; watching her children raise families, enjoying her grandchildren, and time with Gary. As a Nana, never a holiday would pass without a note and gift to her grandchildren. Also she would never say no to the oft asked, “Nana, can I please have …” She truly took joy in showering her family and friends with love. Gary and Claudia took advantage of the opportunity to relocate to Las Vegas in 2020 to be close to family (and a shorter flight to Seattle to see Will and his family.) A highlight was going to Maui in 2023 to celebrate her and Gary’s 50th wedding anniversary with Will and Laura and their families.

Claudia is survived by her husband, Gary, her daughter, Laura Brown, and son, Will Crafton, her brother, Allen, and grandchildren, Skylar, Bronwyn, and Evan. She is preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Ernestine, and sister, Karen. While our family deeply misses Claudia, we take great comfort in her memory and knowledge that we will see her again.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Folds of Honor (www.foldsofhonor.org) an organization that supports education for families of fallen or disabled soldiers. Claudia was the proud daughter of veterans who served during World War II, as well as mother and mother-in-law to Laura and Paul, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Claudia's funeral will be held on June 29, 2024 at Christ Church Episcopal in Tulsa. Please see the Event page for more details.

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