Elaine Lawson Bearden was born at her family home on July 21, 1940 five miles west of Stratford, OK to Lois and Cephus Lawson.  She passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024 at her home in Ada, OK.

Elaine graduated as Valedictorian from Stratford High School in 1958.  She earned bachelor's and master's degrees from East Central State College, now ECU, in Ada.

After her marriage in 1962, and while her three children were young, Elaine held positions in several Ada businesses, including the ECU Registry Office and Horne Insurance.

Elaine's teaching career spanned thirty years. A natural and gifted teacher, she dedicated her life to education, spending the majority of her years at Ada High School, where she profoundly impacted and inspired countless students, and where she was named Teacher of the Year in 1996.

Elaine's commitment extended beyond the classroom into her community.  She was a devoted member of Ada First Methodist Church, where she regularly worshiped, attended and taught Sunday School, and delivered Meals On Wheels.  Elaine cared for everyone and everything around her, tending to and comforting stray animals, neighbors, friends, siblings, and her parents in their final stages of life.  Elaine's vibrant social life included playing Bridge, participating in book clubs, enjoying theater, sports, and art, treasuring her grandchildren, and traveling the world with her family and friends.  She was an active member of the Chimney Hill Daughters of the American Revolution and served on the Pontotoc County Excise Board.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Paula May Bearden, brothers Edgar and William Lawson, and her dear friend Bob Cristelli.  She is survived by her sons Robert Lawson Bearden (Angela) of Austin, TX and Ralph David "Bo" Bearden (Stephany) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Miles, Carter, and Susannah Bearden, and Adam Vogel; and sisters Joy Lawson Herrin and Judy Lawson Schroeder.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SOAR (http://www.soarrehab.org/) or Ada First Methodist Church.  All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life service to be held on Friday, August 9th at 1:00 pm at First Methodist Church of Ada, 129 W 14th St. Ada.