In Loving Memory

Theola Isabella Spratt was born on October 15, 1948, in Rusk, Oklahoma, one of the state's earliest pioneering Black settlements. She was the second youngest of seven siblings, raised by her parents, Isaiah and Evelyn Shelton.

Her educational journey began in the humble classrooms of Okfuskee County where she attended grade school and high school. After graduating from Boley High School, she pursued higher education at Langston University, a historically Black university.

Theola married Luvell Spratt Jr., and together they raised two children, Rhonda and Luvell III. Before she transitioned, God blessed her with her first grandchild, Monique. She was later blessed with two more beautiful granddaughters, Christin and Maya.

To those closest to her, she was affectionately known as "Mitch." She was the heart and soul of her family, hosting gatherings, preparing meals, and creating a home that was a welcoming hub for the neighborhood. Her expressions of love were most evident during birthday celebrations and holiday get-togethers, where her warmth and hospitality shone brightly.

Theola found joy in life’s simple pleasures: shopping, watching soap operas, trying new restaurants, and going on spontaneous adventures. Her creative soul, passion and keen eye for fashion and interior design was matched by her skill as a seamstress, often crafting garments for her loved ones on Sundays after church. Her creativity flowed effortlessly into her love for gardening, where she found solace and lovingly tended to plants and flowers that brought beauty and tranquility to her surroundings.

Her zest for life was contagious, reflected in her radiant smile and infectious laugh. Though her life was cut short by metastatic breast cancer, Theola left behind a legacy of love, warmth, and countless cherished memories for those who adored her.