Elizabeth Carlyn Vance

Carlyn was born November 3, 1946, in San Francisco and died May 9, 2025, in Oklahoma City.

The daughter of Florence Elizabeth Harper and Carl Williams Keyes, Carlyn was born deaf in her right ear and partially deaf in her left ear. Despite this, she taught herself to lip-read at an early age. Then in college she got her first pair of glasses and really realized what she had missed!

Carlyn received her high school diploma from Midwest City High School in 1963. A diligent student, she graduated at the early age of 16 where she excelled in music and math. She loved to sing and performed in choirs at her church home and in school as well as fund-raising to support these activities.

She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Oklahoma State University in 1968 and a Master's degree in Social Psychology from Southern Methodist University in 1973. Carlyn then pursued and earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University in 1983. She has a plaque that reads: "E. Carlyn Vance, Ph.D.-Dr. Mommy!"

Due to health issues Carlyn was forced into early retirement. But prior to this time, she managed to work from home as a consulting School Psychologist. At the same time, she prepared reports for clients of the Department of Health and Human Services. After that she taught a college math course at the University of Oklahoma.

Carlyn was the mother of four children: Josh, Nate, Zachary (who died in infancy), and Amanda. She was also a committed partner to Mike Howard. Her children were gifted in the arts, and she encouraged and actively supported their participation in drama, music, and dance, as well as their sports activities.

Being part of a body of believers was very important to Carlyn. In Dallas, she became involved in the Community of Reconciliation which led to her joining the Presbyterian denomination. She continued serving at churches in Killeen, Texas, Idabel, Norman, and Oklahoma City. While living in Killeen, Texas she worked as a grief counselor through the First Presbyterian Church there and even performed as a singer at a Greek restaurant! In Idabel, she was President of the Homeowner's Association, a Sunday school teacher, a registrar for the soccer team, a PTA officer, and a fund-raiser. In Norman, she was active in the school system and at her church home she served on the following committees: children's music, Second Wind (an activity center for college students) and member care. In addition, she was also involved in selecting deacons, elders, and the budget. After moving from Norman, she joined Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City.

Carlyn’s survivors include her partner, Mike; children Joshua, Nate, and Amanda; daughters-in-law Misti and Kathleen; and grandchildren Emi, Oli, Rowen, and Rory.

Carlyn's memorial service will be at Smith & Kernke funeral home, 14624 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73134. May 19th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to the charity of your choice.