Garlena is preceded in death by her parents, Garland and Myrtle Standridge; her sisters, Anna Lou Denny and Bettie Arnold-Reynolds; and one brother, Wayne Standridge.
Garlena is survived by:
Her husband of 59 years:
Mike Vickers of the home
Her children:
Michael Vickers and wife Cindy of Damascus, Arkansas
Todd Vickers of Heavener, Oklahoma
Garlena “Grammy” was blessed with 5 grandchildren, which were the highlight of her life.
Grandchildren are:
Haleigh (Vickers) Bramlett and husband Carson of Greenbrier, Arkansas
Lakota Vickers of Norman, Oklahoma
Jastyn Vickers of West Little Rock, Arkansas
Sada Vickers of Fort Smith, Arkansas
Jacob Vickers of Fort Smith, Arkansas
One great-grandchild:
Georgia Bramlett
She also leaves behind a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends that she touched with warmth and love.
Garlena graduated from Eufaula High School in 1963. She attended Eastern Oklahoma A & M College, Wilburton, Oklahoma, where she earned her Associates Degree. It was at Eastern Oklahoma A & M where Mike and her met. They were married on August 28, 1965. After marrying, they moved to California and had their first son, Michael in 1968. After leaving the service in 1970, Mike and Garlena moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Garlena worked at Southwestern Bell. While living in Tulsa, in 1974, they had their second son, Todd. Soon after having Todd, Mike, Garlena, and their family moved to Heavener. After moving to Heavener, Garlena was a dedicated stay at home mom. She was very involved in her boy’s sports, school, and church activities. Garlena went on to work as a Loan Officer at First National Bank – Heavener Branch and later as the Secretary for Heavener High School.
In 2006, Garlena was diagnosed with Stage 4 Multiple Myeloma Cancer. Through her journey of fighting cancer, Garlena continued to find joy, shower others with love and never waivered in her faith. Garlena was a proud mom and grandma. No matter how much pain or sickness she was experiencing, she was always fighting so she could be actively present in her grandchildren’s lives. She enjoyed attending and watching their sports activities, plays, graduations, celebrating birthdays or any special occasion. Garlena is the perfect example of selflessness, by always putting others needs above her own. Garlena will be missed by all whom knew and loved her.
The family wants to give a special thanks to all who have supported Mike and her with prayer, visits, cards, calls, and love throughout their journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the 20th Century Club of Little Rock – Hope Away From Home (20th Century Home provides free lodging and meals to patients undergoing Multiple Myeloma Cancer treatments) in memory of Garlena Vickers. Call 501-907-1760 for donation assistance and the website is www.hopeawayfromhome.org. Flowers can be sent to Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home 710 US HWY 270, Heavener, Oklahoma 74937.
A memorial service to celebrate Garlena’s life will be 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Heavener First Baptist Church in Heavener, Oklahoma with Brother Sam Dyer, Brother Jerry Williams, and Pastor Brock Hardin officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: Butch Gilstrip, Tommy Newcomer, David Grubbs, Sr., Chad Arnold, Clint Judd, Carson Bramlett, Brian Franklin, Craig Miller, Bubba Sturgeon, Terry Stites, Dusty Alexander, David Grubbs, Jr., Nathan Janway, Kendall Stacy, and Brian Hooper.
The family will have visitation with friends immediately following the memorial service on Saturday, May 17th at the church.
To sign Garlena’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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