Leona Maxine McCrabb Crager

Leona Maxine McCrabb Crager
Leona McCrabb Crager, 92, of Muskogee, OK passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2008 in Oklahoma City, OK. Leona was born September 26, 1916 to John Cornelius “Cory” and Augusta Betty (Scroggins) O’Donnell in Wilburton, OK.She completed high school and one year of college at Oklahoma University, meeting the love of her life and plans were underway for the marriage. Finishing college was not her interest at that time. She later attended beauty school at Paul’s Beauty College in Oklahoma City and completed credits enough to give herself a certification for teaching the business to students during their internship.Leona not only owned and operated Lee’s Beauty Shop for 41 years on North York Street in Muskogee, but so many other interesting qualities made her shop more than unique. When her ladies were unable to drive to the shop or could not afford their appointment, she would send her husband and never take any money for it. She also would make bread and apricot fried pies and deliver to her regulars when they were ill. What an amazing lady she was. She was one of a kind and the most giving, and generous, not to mention her love for people. Leona served her Lord daily in what ever her day entailed, and was always witnessing to her patrons about God’s love, and how important it was to serve God, and have Him in your life.Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Wana Mae and Ken Smith of Oklahoma City, one daughter-in-law, Patricia McCrabb; grandchildren; Chryl and Randy Vandenburg, Hinton, OK; Lynn and Rick Roades, Minneapolis, MN, step grandchildren: Dr. Kevin and Delana Smith, and Emory Smith, all of Oklahoma City; Mindy and Shawn Hobbs, Blake and Tiffany McCrabb all of Edmond, OK, ten great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and one sister, Jay Selby of Muskogee.She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, the late “Mac” McCrabb of 49 years; one son, Hugh Donnell McCrabb; second husband, Aden M. Crager and three sisters.Services for Leona will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at Eastern Heights Baptist Church with Reverend Bobby Smith officiating. Interment will be at the Center Point Cemetery, Wilburton, OK.Services are under the direction of Foster-Petering Funeral Home.
Published in the Muskogee Phoenix from 12/28/2008 - 12/30/2008