Carla McHenry

"My father was Lewis McHenry, my mother was Gladys Bland. They had 6 children together. These 6 children went on to have 26 children... the first cousins. My lineage on my father's side is McHenry, on my mother's side is Haikey. We follow our mother's lineage, groomed in our traditions.
I'm a Muscogee Creek Nation citizen, my township is Turtle, and my clan is Beaver.
Throughout my life, I have had many opportunities and experiences working and training with Native American Tribes, in Canada and other countries.
I was told that my journey would sustain me and my bloodline. Family was very important, therefore relationships were made and I was adopted into several tribes. The tribal ways were different in each tribe, but the spiritual life always focused on the Creator, Mother Earth and the Four Directions.
Some of the traditional ceremonies I participated in were The Sweat Lodge, Native American Church, Round House, Talking Circle, Stomp Dance, Tribal Town Dances, Dances around the Big Drum, Pipe Ceremonies, Elders Prayer Meetings, Naming Ceremonies and Adoption Ceremonies. The spirit of give-a-ways was significant at many of these gatherings. Feathers, Herbs, Cedar, Sage, Sweetgrass, Corn, Water and Peyote were used in prayer according to the tribe.
My journey has shown me the meaning of true humility, through spending time with the Native American elders and listening to the stories they shared with me. I feel so honored as I sit here writing and reflecting upon my experiences. I am so grateful to the elders for being willing to share with me.
I have always believed in God, Dancing and Fishing. I retired and chose to live a simple life."
Losing her father at 15 was extremely difficult for Carla and she traveled a difficult road for a period...but God delivered her, and she went on to be involved with starting the Narcotics Anonymous program in Tulsa.
At the age of 40 years old, she began to pursue an education, and obtained a Bachelor's degree, all while pregnant and working a full-time job. She worked in the field of substance abuse and mental health, and she became a drug and alcohol abuse counselor as well as a director of Native American healthcare programs. To say she touched many lives is an understatement.
Carla is survived by her children (whether she gave birth to them or not): Baby Blueagle Bridges-Fox, her husband Joshua James Fox, J Paul McHenry; Teddy Jack Bridges;
Michael Shawn Williams (adopted by Ronnie and Carol Williams); granddaughter Halen Leigh Harris, her partner Jonathan Edward Seiwell, and great-grandson Ari Asté Seiwell, grandson Christian James Fox; She is also survived by her siblings Ted McHenry, JD McHenry, Kay Hanna, and Carol Williams, along with their spouses and extended families, respectfully.
Carla's family invites you to honor her life and send your condolences by releasing two balloons, one blue and one pink (representing her favorite colors) with a handwritten message attached. If you are not able to do so, her family asks that you tie your handwritten message to a tree or limb so that the wind may then carry your thoughts and words of love to Carla and her many loved ones. We ask this to be done on Sept 22nd at 11:00AM.
In lieu of services, the family encourages you to share photos of your balloon release, handwritten notes, and especially photos of Carla... Please share memories by posting directly on Carla's Facebook page, so that all of Carla's friends and family may view them. It is important to us that you ensure you post directly on Carla's page, as we know sometimes we forget to tag...and we don't want to miss a single message, or any of the stories you would like to share. Please don't feel limited to sharing only one memory of Carla, as all stories told will comfort us all, family and friends, in the days and years to come.
BE SURE TO SHARE THIS REQUEST along with SHARING this post... which i'm grateful has her own words! Also, if you know of someone who rarely is on FB, please feel free to somehow get them the information about the family's wishes. In addition, messages can also be posted via the funeral home directly at kennedycares.com for those which you know aren't on FB at all.
Thank you and many blessings to you all.