Individual Details

Death

Mary Thetford, 93, a cherished family matriarch and accomplished real estate broker, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025. Born July 29, 1932, in Henryetta, Oklahoma, to Inez and Albert Furr, Mary lived a life defined by devotion to family, professional excellence, and creative passion. Mary raised two sons, Mark and John Thetford, with her first husband, Jerry Bailey Thetford. She later married Senator Gene Stipe in 2003, sharing a loving partnership until his passing in 2012. Mary was the heart of her family, hosting Sunday dinners and celebrating milestones, including her sons' law school graduations and bar exam successes, which she proudly encouraged. She cherished her grandchildren, Grant Thetford, Paul Thetford, Dr. Mary Grace Harvey, and Michael Thetford. As a broker at McGraw Davidson in Tulsa, Mary's expertise and integrity left a lasting impact on the real estate community. She served as Tulsa County Democratic Co-Chairman, on the Tulsa County Housing Authority, the Oklahoma Tourism Commission, and as a U.S. Trustee for the Bankruptcy Court. An accomplished amateur artist, Mary created over 50 paintings, many displayed at her celebration of life. Mary is survived by her sons, Mark Thetford and John (Barbara) Thetford; grandchildren Grant (Amber) Thetford, Paul (Erin) Thetford, Michael Thetford, and Dr. Mary Grace (Dr. Kody) Harvey; great-grandchildren, Jack and Anne Thetford; and sister, Carol (Monty) Miller. She was predeceased by her sister, Billie Heckmaster. Services will be held at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E 91st St., Tulsa, on September 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice are requested.