Obituary: Gloria Jean (Stephens) Wickett

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Gloria Jean (Stephens) Wickett was reunited with her parents and siblings on Sunday, October 1st. She was surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren when she departed St. Francis Hospital.

A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother - her legacy will live on in the hearts she touched in her family, church, and community.

Gloria was born on April 12, 1943 to Clarence and Alverina Stephens in Sand Springs. She came from a large family of seven siblings and she was the last of them to return home to Jesus.

Gloria was one of the first students to walk the halls of the new Charles Page High School, graduating in 1961.She married her husband of 60 years, Jack Wickett, on July 5th, 1963 in her sister’s back yard in Allen Bowden. They welcomed their only child, Darrin, into the world in 1966.

She was a hard worker and retired from Continental Industries after 15 years of service as an oil and gas inspector, but she will be best remembered for her commitment to her family.

Gloria enjoyed tending to her flowers and making her home a warm and welcoming place for her triplet grandkids and their families to visit.

She had a reputation of being kind, loving, sweet, quiet, and soft, and she welcomed everyone from her daughter-in-law to her grandkids-in-law into the family with open arms. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker and loved to host holiday get-togethers.

She loved animals and her dog Furby followed her in death a day later to keep her company.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Dan Stephens, Bailey Baker, Maxine Miller, Melton Stephens, Red Stephens, and Tommy Stephens.

She is survived by her husband, Jack Wickett; son, Darrin and Robin Wickett of Sand Springs; grandson, Kyle Wickett and Rachel Armstrong of Skiatook; grandson Brandon Wickett of Tulsa; and granddaughter Charity and Scott Emigh of Sand Springs.

Visitation for Gloria will be Wednesday, October 4th from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Home in Sand Springs. The funeral service will be Thursday, October 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Prattwood Assembly of God in Sand Springs.

Obituary: John Ray White

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John Ray White of Sand Springs, Oklahoma went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at the age of 73. Viewing will be held from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, 2023, followed by Rosary Service at 6:00 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home in Ponca City, Oklahoma. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tonkawa, OK. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, 1206 Waverly, Ponca City, OK. following the mass. Pallbearers include: son Brian White, sons-in-law Michael Cabe and Ben Gislason, and nephews Reece Simpson, Owen Simpson, and Kort Davis.

John was born on August 22, 1949 to Fred White and Martina White in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He attended Washington Elementary School and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1967. He was active in American Legion baseball, and a member of the 3rd place team at State. John served a four-year tour of duty with the United States Navy at the Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida. He achieved AT3 rank status and was a member of the squadron softball league. When his service was complete, he attended Northern Oklahoma College where "Skeeter" played shortstop for the All-Conference NOC Varsity baseball team, and met his future bride. He married Susan Schiltz on August 15, 1975 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. They went on to Oklahoma State University where John graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1977. The couple moved to Tulsa and subsequently Sand Springs where they raised three children.

John had a long, successful career in the chemical distribution industry. He started out at Kimbell Chemical and then worked for Advance Chemical as Account Manager. He was promoted to Branch Manager at the Summit division of HCI which then became Brenntag, located at the Port of Catoosa where he found a love for AJ’s Heavenly Pizza. He retired as VP of Sales from Brainerd Chemical in 2016. John enjoyed softball league, golf, fishing, cooking his specialties, playing pool with his grandkids, and in former years he loved showing his 2007 Shelby GT Mustang and racing his Mazda Miata. John and Susan enjoyed attending OSU football games and wrestling duals, playing card games with friends and family, and attending concerts. His orneriness and sense of humor were two of his most endearing qualities. John was a faithful servant of the Lord and a member of Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa.

John was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Martina White. John is survived by his lifelong love, Susan; his treasured children, including daughter Tressa Gislason (Ben) of Charleston, SC, Megan Cabe (Michael) of Sand Springs, OK, and son Brian White of Denver, CO; his precious grandchildren, including Vera and Raef Gislason, and Macey Cabe; his beloved sister Karen Kay Long (Gary) of OKC, OK and cousins Steve Stewart (Donna), Jan Wilson (Jeff), Cindy Fein (Lowell), and Sheryl Lippert (Doyle); and many cherished sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family; and finally, his faithful canine companion, Chip.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause which was very dear to his heart.

Three Sandite Teens Killed in Tragic Car Accident

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Sand Springs is a town that’s known a tragedy or two over the years, and far too often those tragedies have been felt the hardest by the teenage community.

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Obit: Donald M. Wakefield

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Donald M. Wakefield, age 76, died Wed., September 30, 2020 at his home in Concordia, KS.  He was born on Nov. 8, 1943 in Battle Creek, MI to Milo E. & Emma J. (McWatters) Wakefield.

He graduated high school in Alpena, MI and received an Associate’s degree from Tulsa Junior College and Ft. Scott Community College.  He married Janice R. Oberley on July 25, 1964 in Walker. MN. He began working for Western Union Telegraph and then worked as a wastewater supervisor, retiring from the City of Neodesha. He later served as pastor for the Jewell Assembly of God Church, Jewell, KS. Don and Janice have lived in a host of places during their marriage in Connecticut, Michigan, Oklahoma and Kansas. Don was a member of Victory Faith Church, serving as the Treasurer and a Board member. He also served as Treasurer for the Concordia Ministerial Assoc. for 4 years. He enjoyed model railroads, scale trains and played the trombone.

He is survived by his wife Janice, Concordia; sons, David, Sand Springs, OK, Daniel (Annette), Pine Bluff, AR & Donald, II (Kathy), Sand Springs, OK ; daughters, Jeannine Matthews, Stillwater, OK, Janette Shipley (Cory), Springfield, MO &  Juline Wakefield, Concordia; sister, Bonnie Pratt (Eugene), Rockford, MI; brother, Roland Wakefield (Lita), Ocala, FL;  brothers in law, Eugene Oberley (Elaine), Bloomfield, MN & William Menerey, National City, MI; 16 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren and 1 great grandchild on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandchild, Noah Wakefield; son in law, Lowell Matthews and sister, Shirley Menerey.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Monday, October 5, 2020 at Victory Faith Church, Concordia, with Pastor Rick Barrett and Pastor Cory Shipley officiating.  Burial will follow in the Jewell City Cemetery, Jewell.  Visitation will be Sunday, October 4, 2020 from 1-8 pm with family greeting from 4-6 pm at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Victory Faith Church in care of the funeral home.  For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.

Sand Springs cuts ribbon on Zackery Park, Mayor Spoon proclaims Bessie Crawford Zackery Day

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The City of Sand Springs held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at its newest park Thursday morning. City employees, elected officials, and family and friends of Bessie Crawford Zackery gathered to celebrate the commemorative park. Mayor Jim Spoon proclaimed August 13th as Bessie Crawford Zackery Day in honor of the late Sand Springs teacher.

Located at 100 West Alexander Boulevard, Zackery Park will serve as a reminder of the historic black neighborhood that once stood in what is now the River West shopping district. The small park is named for the Zackery family who lived in the area when it was still residential, and in particular for Bessie Crawford Zackery, who was a teacher in Sand Springs.

Bessie Zackery was class valedictorian at the Sand Springs Booker T. Washington High School in 1934, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Langston University. She returned to Sand Springs and taught Art and Elementary Education at Booker T. Washington. Zackery reportedly spent summers at Colorado State Teachers College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa taking graduate courses to keep Washington on the cutting edge. Zackery earned a Master’s of Teaching Arts from TU in 1959.

After 28 years at Washington, Zackery transferred to Limestone Elementary for the remainder of her career. She was named the Sand Springs Education Association 1978 Teacher of the Year, the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association 1981 Outstanding Alumnus, and the 1996 Sand Springs Hometown Hero. The Sand Springs Retired Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Educators Association named her a Very Important Member, and in 1999 she was awarded the Ageless Hero Award by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

Zackery Park is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Alexander Boulevard and Booker T. Washington Avenue. The pedestrian sidewalk within the area has been named “Rambler Way” in honor of the Washington High School mascot.

There is a large detention pond adjacent to the park, and staff recently installed a fountain in the middle. A steel trellis was installed, along with a seat wall made from brick pavers that were salvaged from the old Booker T. Washington High School. There is also a concrete plaza and decorative plants, and informational signage will soon be installed.

The River West area is part of a revitalization effort by the City and was formerly one of the oldest and poorest residential neighborhoods in Sand Springs. The primarily African American district was demolished in the late 2000s, with the former Booker T. Washington High School coming down in 2010. Centennial Baptist Church is the last remnant of the historic community.

Since then, the district has added a new hotel, a minor emergency clinic, a TTCU branch, restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and a Starbucks. There is also a small strip center being constructed, and only a few plots of land are still available.

The community has already been memorialized in the naming of its two arterial streets. Booker T. Washington Avenue was named for the high school, while Alexander Boulevard was named for Albert Alexander. Alexander reportedly immigrated to Sand Springs following the 1921 massacre of black citizens in Tulsa. His obituary reads that Alexander was “the unofficial mayor of the black section of segregated Sand Springs because of the respect that both sides of the railroad tracks had for him.”

The Sand Springs Parks Department has several other projects underway around the city. The disc golf course in Case Community Park is getting a redesign by 2009 PDGA World Champion Avery Jenkins. The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course is getting a major clubhouse remodel. There is a visitors’ center being constructed at the Keystone Ancient Forest, and an observation tower will be installed in the near future.

Sand Springs to hold grand opening of Zackery Park on August 13th

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City of Sand Springs employees, elected officials, and guests will gather August 13th at 10:00 a.m. to cut the ribbon on the city’s newest park.

Located at 100 West Alexander Boulevard, Zackery Park will serve as a reminder of the historic black neighborhood that once stood in what is now the River West shopping district. The small park is named for the Zackery family who lived in the area when it was still residential, and in particular for Bessie Crawford Zackery, who was a teacher in Sand Springs. Mayor Jim Spoon will also read a mayoral proclamation recognizing the day as Bessie Crawford Zackery Day.

Bessie Zackery was class valedictorian at the Sand Springs Booker T. Washington High School in 1934, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Langston University. She returned to Sand Springs and taught Art and Elementary Education at Booker T. Washington. Zackery reportedly spent summers at Colorado State Teachers College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa taking graduate courses to keep Washington on the cutting edge. Zackery earned a Master’s of Teaching Arts from TU in 1959.

After 28 years at Washington, Zackery transferred to Limestone Elementary for the remainder of her career. She was named the Sand Springs Education Association 1978 Teacher of the Year, the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association 1981 Outstanding Alumnus, and the 1996 Sand Springs Hometown Hero. The Sand Springs Retired Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Educators Association named her a Very Important Member, and in 1999 she was awarded the Ageless Hero Award by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

Zackery Park is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Alexander Boulevard and Booker T. Washington Avenue. The pedestrian sidewalk within the area will also be named “Rambler Way” in honor of the Washington High School mascot.

There is currently a large detention pond adjacent to the park, and staff recently installed a fountain in the middle. A steel trellis was recently installed, along with a seat wall made from brick pavers that were salvaged from the old Booker T. Washington High School. There will also be a concrete plaza, informational signage, and decorative plants.

The River West area is part of a revitalization effort by the City and was formerly one of the oldest and poorest residential neighborhoods in Sand Springs. The primarily African American district was demolished in the late 2000s, with the former Booker T. Washington High School coming down in 2010. Centennial Baptist Church is the last remnant of the historic community.

Since then, the district has added a new hotel, a minor emergency clinic, a TTCU branch, restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and a Starbucks. There is also a small strip center being constructed, and only a few plots of land are still available.

The community has already been memorialized in the naming of its two arterial streets. Booker T. Washington Avenue was named for the high school, while Alexander Boulevard was named for Albert Alexander. Alexander reportedly immigrated to Sand Springs following the 1921 massacre of black citizens in Tulsa. His obituary reads that Alexander was “the unofficial mayor of the black section of segregated Sand Springs because of the respect that both sides of the railroad tracks had for him.”

The Sand Springs Parks Department has several other projects underway around the city. The disc golf course in Case Community Park is getting a redesign by 2009 PDGA World Champion Avery Jenkins. The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course is getting a major clubhouse remodel. There is a visitors’ center being constructed at the Keystone Ancient Forest, and an observation tower will be installed in the near future.

John Blake visitation to be held at Ed Dubie Field House

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Charles Page High School alumni and former University of Oklahoma Head Football Coach John Blake, 59, died July 23rd from a heart attack. There will be three visitations for the Sandite and Sooner before he is interred at Green Acres Memorial Gardens in Skiatook.

Friendship West Baptist Church at 2020 West Wheatland Road in Dallas will be hosting a visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, August 8th followed by a Celebratory Service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A second visitation will be held at the Ed Dubie Field House at 600 North Adams Road in Sand Springs. That event will be Sunday, August 9th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

On Monday, August 10th a third visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. at 1414 North Norfolk venue in Tulsa. Finally, a graveside service will be held Monday at Green Acres Memorial Gardens at 12410 North Yale Avenue in Skiatook.

Blake graduated from Charles Page High School in 1979 where he was a four-year letterman at fullback and nose guard. He was an All-Conference, All-Metro, and All-State selection his junior and senior years, and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1979 All-State game.

He was a three-year letterman at nose guard for the University of Oklahoma and was twice named Big 8 Defensive Player of the Week. He also made the All-Big 8 Second Team. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree and remained at OU as a graduate assistant until 1987.

Blake was an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa, the University of Oklahoma, and for the Dallas Cowboys, helping Dallas win two Super Bowls before returning to Oklahoma as Head Coach for three seasons. He was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Association Hall of Fame in 1996. He also coached for Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, and the Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2016.

The coach leaves behind his wife Freda, his son Jourdan, his mother Dorothy, and five siblings.

Sand Springs minister dies from COVID-19 complications

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Jim Schrepel, right, died from complications due to COVID-19 on Tuesday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed its fourth victim in the town of Sand Springs. Jim Schrepel, 74, passed away Tuesday after a month-long battle with complications arising from the virus. Schrepel was the co-founder of In Jesus Name Ministries International which hosted the annual Unity Praise gathering in Sand Springs.

Less than five months earlier, Schrepel’s wife, Stephanie, contracted the virus and was one of the first cases in Oklahoma. SEE RELATED: Surviving COVID-19 in Sand Springs.

Jim Schrepel was diagnosed and hospitalized with the virus and bilateral pneumonia in early July. He was able to return home early on, but required oxygen. Eventually his symptoms worsened to the point that he had to be admitted to the COVID intensive care unit.

Although he was virus-free by the 29th, the disease and the pneumonia had already caused severe damage to his body and he suffered a small stroke on the 30th. He passed away Tuesday surrounded by his wife and children.

Schrepel’s funeral will be held Saturday, August 8th at 10:00 a.m. The service will be held outside at Reach Church at 1402 North 81st West Avenue. Face masks will be required. The church has launched an online donation link to assist the family.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 1,101 new cases Wednesday with 645 hospitalizations and 6,598 active cases statewide. There have been 17 additional deaths, bringing the statewide death toll to 583.

  • Two in Caddo County, one female and one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Two in Cleveland County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group and one male in the 65 or older age group.

  • One in Grady County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Kay County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Two in McCurtain County, two females in the 65 or older age group. 

  • One in Payne County, one female in the 65 or older age group. 

  • Six in Oklahoma County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group. Three females and two males in the 65 or older age group.  

  • Two in Tulsa County, two females in the 65 or older age group. 

Sand Springs reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, bringing the number of active cases to a record-high 46. The city of Tulsa has 953 active cases and Tulsa County has 1,414.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting 4,748,806 cases nationwide with 156,311 deaths. There have been 49,988 cases and 1,107 deaths in the past day. Oklahoma ranks 32nd in total cases (33rd per capita) but is 19th in new cases in the past week (13th per capita). The state is 34th in total deaths (39th per capita) and 23rd in deaths in the past week.

The World Health Organization is reporting 18,354,342 cases worldwide with 696,147 deaths. There have been 206,709 new cases and 5,116 deaths in the past day. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 2,750,318 and India with 1,908,254.

Former Sandite, Sooner Head Coach John Blake dies at 59

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John Blake, a Charles Page High School alumni and former player and coach at the University of Oklahoma, reportedly died of a heart attack Thursday morning at the age of 59. The news was broken by News 9 Sports Director Dean Blevins.

Blake was the son of James and Dorothy Blake and graduated from CPHS in 1979. He was a four-year letterman at fullback and nose guard under Head Coach A.D. James. He was named to the All-Conference, All-Metro, and All-State teams his junior and senior years and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1979 All-State Game.

Blake was recruited by University of Oklahoma Head Coach Barry Switzer and was a three-year letterman at nose guard. He was twice named the Big 8 Defensive Player of the Week and was named to the All-Big 8 Second Team. He graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree and remained at OU as a graduate assistant from 1984 to 1987.

In 1988 Blake became an assistant coach at the University of Tulsa, then returned to OU from 1989 to 1992 as an assistant coach. In 1993 he was named the Defensive Line Coach for the Dallas Cowboys, helping the team to two Super Bowl wins.

Blake was inducted into the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame in 1996. He once again returned to his alma mater in 1996, this time as Head Coach. In three seasons leading the Sooners he amassed a 12-22 record, but saw success in recruiting, despite the poor record. Over half of Bob Stoops’s 2000 National Championship team starters were recruited by Blake.

Blake never again held a Head Coaching position, returning to his old position as Defensive Line Coach for Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, and the Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2016.

"The Rogues Five" drummer Jamie Oldaker dies at 68

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Jamie Oldaker performs with The Rogues Five at the 2017 Riverfest in Sand Springs.

Jamie Oldaker, a famous drummer with ties to Sand Springs, died Thursday at 68 years old. While Oldaker claimed Tulsa as his hometown, part of his rise to fame came from playing with Sand Springs band The Rogues Five in the 1960s.

Oldaker and his band of teenagers formed The Rogues Five in the 1960s and soon developed a large following in the Tulsa area. The band included I.J. Ganem, Randy Ess, Philip Wilson, and Bard Coats. They opened for Jim Morrison and The Doors and other famous bands at the Tulsa Convention Center and performed regularly on the KOTV show “Dance Party.” The band has held reunion shows over the years, including at the 2017 Riverfest in Sand Springs.

After departing Tulsa to pursue a solo career, Oldaker performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. He started the band Tulsa County, then joined the Bob Seger Band for their album “Back in ‘72.” As a session musician with Shelter Records, he recorded with Leon Russell, The Gap Band, and Georgie Fame, and later toured with Russell.

In 1974 Oldaker recorded the album “461 Ocean Blvd” with Eric Clapton, which included the hit song “I Shot The Sheriff,” and went on to record several other albums with Clapton. He continued to divide his time touring with both Clapton and Seger. He then joined up with Peter Frampton for a tour, and recorded the album “Where I Should Be.”

In 1986 he helped launch the career of country artist Ronnie Dunn, managing and performing alongside the future Brooks N Dunn artist. Beginning in 1988 he teamed up with KISS member Ace Frehley for several tours and music videos, while continuing his work with Frampton and Clapton.

In 1988 he helped found The Tractors. The country band’s self-titled debut album was certified 2X Platinum and they received two Grammy nominations.

In 2005 Oldaker released the album “Jamie Oldaker’s Mad Dogs & Okies,” which featured guest appearances from Clapton, Frampton, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, and other musicians he has worked with over the years.

In 2010 Oldaker was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame alongside Sand Springs singer Sam Harris.

Oldaker battled lung cancer for years, going through chemo and radiation therapy. He died at his home in Tulsa, surrounded by family. Several of his fellow musicians posted messages on social media Thursday, in honor of their friend.

“We are overwhelmingly saddened to report that our dear friend and brother Jamie Oldaker has passed away,” posted The Rogues Five. “He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Mary and family. Rest in Peace Jam-O.”

“Jamie Oldaker has been my dear friend and brother for over 40 years,” posted Frampton. “He was a very warm, caring, true friend with a gentle heart. HE cared about us all almost more than he did himself. Most will know him as the drummer on Eric Clapton’s albums. His playing was unique, a laid back style of drumming with an incredible feel. We traveled the world, played many wonderful shows and great recordings together. He was much loved and I will miss him for the rest of my time here. Love you Jamie.”

Work underway at new Sand Springs park

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Sand Springs Parks staff have been hard at work on a new park in the RiverWest Shopping Center. Zackery Park will be named for the Zachery family who lived in the area when it was still residential, and in particular for Bessie Zackery, who was a teacher in Sand Springs.

Bessie Zackery was class valedictorian at the Sand Springs Booker T. Washington High School in 1934, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Langston University. She returned to Sand Springs and taught Art and Elementary Education at Booker T. Washington. Zackery reportedly spent summers at Colorado State Teachers College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa taking graduate courses to keep Washington on the cutting edge. Zackery earned a Master’s of Teaching Arts from TU in 1959.

After 28 years at Washington, Zackery transferred to Limestone Elementary for the remainder of her career. She was named the Sand Springs Education Association 1978 Teacher of the Year, the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association 1981 Outstanding Alumnus, and the 1996 Sand Springs Hometown Hero. The Sand Springs Retired Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Educators Association named her a Very Important Member, and in 1999 she was awarded the Ageless Hero Award by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

Zackery Park is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Alexander Boulevard and Booker T. Washington Avenue. The pedestrian sidewalk within the area will also be named “Rambler Way” in honor of the Washington High School mascot.

There is currently a large detention pond adjacent to the park, and staff recently installed a fountain in the middle that will soon be activated. There will also be floating LED lights around the fountain. A steel trellis was recently installed, along with a seat wall made from brick pavers that were salvaged from the old Booker T. Washington High School. There will also be a concrete plaza, informational signage, and decorative plants.

The RiverWest area is part of a revitalization effort by the City and was formerly one of the oldest and poorest residential neighborhoods in Sand Springs. The primarily African American district was demolished in the late 2000s, with the former Booker T. Washington High School coming down in 2010. Centennial Baptist Church is the last remnant of the historic community.

Since then, the district has added a new hotel, a minor emergency clinic, a TTCU branch, restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and a Starbucks. There is also a small strip center being constructed, and only a few plots of land are still available.

The community has already been memorialized in the naming of its two arterial streets. Booker T. Washington Avenue was named for the high school, while Alexander Boulevard was named for Albert Alexander. Alexander reportedly immigrated to Sand Springs following the 1921 massacre of black citizens in Tulsa. His obituary reads that Alexander was “the unofficial mayor of the black section of segregated Sand Springs because of the respect that both sides of the railroad tracks had for him.”

The Sand Springs Parks Department has several other projects underway around the city. The disc golf course in Case Community Park is getting a redesign by 2009 PDGA World Champion Avery Jenkins. The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course is getting a major clubhouse remodel. There is a visitors’ center being constructed at the Keystone Ancient Forest, and an observation tower will be installed in the near future. New sidewalks are being poured in Case Community Park, and the parking lot at the park’s largest playground is being improved.

Black Lives Matter rally scheduled for Tuesday at Sand Springs park

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A Black Lives Matter rally is being planned for Tuesday, June 16, at 5:00 p.m. in Case Community Park in Sand Springs. The gathering will take place on the Great Lawn, and is being organized by Charles Page High School alumni Imani Jennings and Travis Allen.

Speakers who are scheduled to speak at the event include State Representative Regina Goodwin, Mary I. Williams, Nia MaRae Byrd, April Ghahagan, Pastor Robert Turner, Alyxandria Fredieu, Reverend Mareo Johnson, Imani Jennings, Tykebrean Chesier, and Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter.

Organizers have requested that attendees wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Water and food will be provided.

There will be a candlelight vigil after dark to commemorate victims of police brutality.

Sand Springs City Council approves new park in historic African American district

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The Sand Springs City Council recently approved a new park to be located in the RiverWest Shopping Center. Zackery Park will be named for the Zachery family who lived in the area when it was still residential, and in particular for Bessie Zackery, who was a teacher in Sand Springs.

Bessie Zackery was class valedictorian at the Sand Springs Booker T. Washington High School in 1934, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Langston University. She returned to Sand Springs and taught Art and Elementary Education at Booker T. Washington. Zackery reportedly spent summers at Colorado State Teachers College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa taking graduate courses to keep Washington on the cutting edge. Zackery earned a Master’s of Teaching Arts from TU in 1959.

After 28 years at Washington, Zackery transferred to Limestone Elementary for the remainder of her career. She was named the Sand Springs Education Association 1978 Teacher of the Year, the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association 1981 Outstanding Alumnus, and the 1996 Sand Springs Hometown Hero. The Sand Springs Retired Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Educators Association named her a Very Important Member, and in 1999 she was awarded the Ageless Hero Award by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

Zackery Park will be located at the southwest intersection of Alexander Boulevard and Booker T. Washington Avenue. The pedestrian sidewalk within the area will also be named “Rambler Way” in honor of the Washington High School mascot. There is currently a large pond adjacent to the future park, which is part decorative and part stormwater retention. The park will feature a steel trellis, informational signs, a concrete plaza, plants, and decorative masonry.

The RiverWest area is part of a revitalization effort by the City and was formerly one of the oldest and poorest residential neighborhoods in Sand Springs. The primarily African American district was demolished in the late 2000s, with the former Booker T. Washington High School coming down in 2010. Centennial Baptist Church is the last remnant of the historic community.

Since then, the district has added a new hotel, a minor emergency clinic, restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, and a Starbucks. There are also a small strip center and a Tulsa Teachers Credit Union branch being constructed, with only a few portions of land still available.

The community has already been memorialized in the naming of its two arterial streets. Booker T. Washington Avenue was named for the high school, while Alexander Boulevard was named for Albert Alexander. Alexander reportedly immigrated to Sand Springs following the 1921 massacre of black citizens in Tulsa. His obituary reads that Alexander was “the unofficial mayor of the black section of segregated Sand Springs because of the respect that both sides of the railroad tracks had for him.”

Council also considered the name Marques Haynes Park, in honor of the Booker T. Washington alumnus and Harlem Globetrotter. The Sand Springs section of Highway 97 is already named Marques Haynes Memorial Highway.

In other news:

Council approved a specific use permit for a Medical Marijuana Dispensary at 430 West Wekiwa Road in the Cimarron Plaza shopping center. Herbal Cure, Inc. is owned by Adeel Nasir and already has one location in Okmulgee.

Council approved a permit for a Marijuana Growing Facility at 411 South Lincoln Avenue. XGrows, LLC will be located in the Morrow Gill Business Park.

Council approved a $41,500 contract with GH2 Architects for a full HVAC analysis and bidding for replacement of HVAC at the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum.

Council approved a $26,608.00 expenditure to remanufacture a submersible WEMCO-Hidrostal wastewater pump and motor that recently failed at the Sand Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant. Replacing the 2001 unit with a newer model would cost approximately $80,000.00.

Council approved the hiring of Guy Engineering to perform ODOT-funded inspections on Sand Springs bridges for the next two years.

Council approved the use of a $96,303.00 Tulsa County Community Development Block Grant to replace a deteriorated 4” cast iron water line with a new 8” PVC water line along the west side of North Lincoln Avenue between 4th Street and 6th Street.

Council approved a specific use permit for a synagogue at 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard. Sar Shalom Synagogue previously opened in August of this year.

Council approved an $11,100.34 increase to an existing $71,569.62 contract with Garrow Construction. Garrow recently completed rehabilitation of the Lost City (L20) sanitary sewer lift station that was damaged by spring flooding.

Sand Springs Assistant City Manager Mike Tinker Passes Away

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Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs is deeply saddened to share news of the passing of Assistant City Manager and longtime Oklahoma civic leader Mike Tinker. Tinker passed away this morning after an ongoing battle with cancer.

Tinker began his tenure with the City in November of 2018. While his service with the City of Sand Springs was short, he brought a wealth of knowledge and insight to the City’s organization.

“We have lost a valued member of our team and a wonderful friend,” stated City Manager Elizabeth Gray. “Mike set the standard for work in municipal government and our organization is better as a result of his time with us. Our staff is deeply saddened and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Tinker invested nearly three decades of public service and governmental leadership to the Jenks, Collinsville and Sand Springs communities. Prior to his role as a City Manager for Jenks, Tinker served 13 years on the Jenks City Council with 9 years served as Mayor. Tinker also served on the Board of Directors with the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG). He also chaired both INCOG’s General Assembly and INCOG’s Transportation Policy Committee.

Tinker was well known in the region for his professionalism, compassion and dedication to every community in which he served. Services are planned at St. Bernard of Clairvaux with Rosary on Sunday, November 24th at 7:00 p.m. and a Funeral Mass on Monday, November 25th at 2:00 p.m. St. Bernard of Clairvaux is located at 4001 East 101st Street, Tulsa, OK.

*Correction: Service times have been changed from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday.

Sand Springs dedicates Inez Kirk park in honor of former City Manager

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The City of Sand Springs rededicated the City-Garden Park at 101 East Broadway Street in honor of former City Manager Inez Kirk.

Kirk was the City Manager for Sand Springs from 1977 to 1986 and died in office on January 23, 1986.

Kirk's family and friends planted a pink rose bush in honor of her nickname, the Iron Rose. A group of more than thirty family members, friends, and former coworkers turned out to honor her and celebrated her life with her favorite candy, licorice. 

"This park is very special to me," said current City Manager Elizabeth Gray. "I came here and prayed before I went in for my interview (for City Manager)." 

"I remember what Sand Springs used to be compared to what it is today," said Mayor Mike Burdge. "Inez was very instrumental in changing the character and the integrity of government in Sand Springs. 

The Soccer Complex at Case Community Park was named in her honor for many years, but City leaders decided it would be more appropriate to recognize her with the park next door to the City Hall building she worked at. 

"Mom loved her family, and the people at City Hall were also her family. She loved each and every one," said Kirk's daughter, Pat McConnell. "Her passion was for this city. I can tell you that mom would be overwhelmed by the fact that the City has chosen to honor her like this, and she would be amazed at how many people still remember her and talk about her."

Sand Springs titan Opal Bennefield Clark passes at 105 years old

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Sandite Pride staff members Scott Emigh and Morgan Miller with Opal Bennefield Clark.

Opal Bennefield Clark was the last human connection Sand Springs had with its founding father, and the 105-year-old sister to the City passed from this life into the next Friday morning.

Clark was one of the earliest residents at the Sand Springs Widow's Colony founded by Charles Page. Born on May 20, 1912, Clark never got to know her father, who was killed by a boar two months before her birth. The City of Sand Springs was incorporated that same year, and Clark arrived in 1916.

Clark found a father figure in "Daddy Page," whose life she preserved in A Fool's Enterprise. The biography was published in 1988 and was integral in telling the story of Sand Springs. She also published children's book Leelore's Unusual Choir, which she wrote and illustrated. 

Clark was married to Jimmy Clark for 57 years till his passing in 1989. She found love again in an assisted living facility, and was married to Paul Moss from 2012 till his death in 2014. She leaves behind one daughter, four granddaughters, and two great-grandsons. 

Services will be held at Dillon Marler Dighton Legacy Chapel in Woodland Memorial Park cemetery Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in Sand Springs.