Sandra "Sandy" Jane (McClain) Qualls, of Poteau, Oklahoma was born to Frank and Lucy (Hamilton) McClain on May 24, 1951 in Clayton, Oklahoma. She was the 9th of 10 children and passed away on November 15, 2024 at her home in Wister, Oklahoma from Alzheimers at the age of 73.
She is survived by:
Her husband:
Dean Qualls of the home
Her son:
Shawn L. Goad, Sr. and wife Tammy
Three sisters:
Lorraine Hensley
Irene Pitts
Linda McClain
Six grandsons:
Waylon Goad and wife Tiffany
Shawn Goad, Jr. and wife Autumn
Aaron Goad and wife Jayme
Cody Ray Fox and wife Kristina
Reese Qualls and wife Alia
Matt Akers and wife Erin
Four granddaughters:
Nicole Fox
Misty McBride and husband Joey
Allison Qualls
Stephanie Gillham and husband Thad
Three step-children:
Royce Qualls and wife Kathleen
Vickie Dulane Qualls-Winston
Susan (Goad) Akers and husband Steve
Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones, and a host of friends
She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lucy McClain; three sisters Dorothy Evangelista, Flora June Morgan, and Maggie Ellen; and three brothers Dan McClain, Robert McClain, and William "Jake" McClain.
Sandy had many natural talents that include: seamstress, culinary arts, interior and exterior decorating, and intellectual capabilities. Though she got a late start, as an adult she completed her GED, got her Associates Degree, and earned the respected University of Oklahoma Presidents Honor Roll while completing her Bachelors Degree. While serving as CASCs Assistant Librarian, she served on President Whites Decorating Committee for special events and easily worked with the students, as well as, visiting dignitaries to include Presidents and Governors. Sandy and Librarian, Gail Stewart were instrumental in getting the Carl Albert Corner in the CASC Library, in honor and tribute to the long serving Speaker of the House.
She used her baking skills to endear her in the hearts of many to celebrate birthdays, weddings, retirements, and honorary parties. Sandy was an avid reader and helped bring authors to CASC through their "Meet the Author" program. She hosted a variety of groups in her home, most notably the OU Study Group, high school reunions, and family reunions. For decades, Sandy organized an extensive "McClain" family reunion at Clayton and Sardis Lake.
The family gives a heartfelt thanks to her primary caregiver, Ashlie Nelson and back-up caregiver, Rhonda Heflin and a special acknowledgement to the hospice services of Elara Caregiving.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Grace Funeral Service Chapel in Poteau, Oklahoma with Reverend Steve Hughes of Calhoun Baptist Church officiating and Mr. Danny Wann reading the Eulogy. Burial will follow in Ellis Chapel Cemetery in Wister, Oklahoma under the direction of Grace Funeral Service in Poteau, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: Aaron Goad, Shawn Goad, Jr., Waylon Goad, Cody Fox, Reese Qualls, and Matt Akers.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Randy Frazier, Floyd Smith, Gene Heflin, Leroy Tackett, Steve Woodall, Thad Gillham, and Merrill McClain.
Viewing will be Monday, November 18, 2024 from Noon to 8:30 p.m. with the family visiting with friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.