Edna Mae Sargent

Edna Mae (Irby) Sargent-Gatweood, also known as “Duck” was born on September 6, 1925, in Crescent, Oklahoma to Mary Ella Irby and Fred Garrett Irby. Edna moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma with her parents as a small infant. Edna became a member of the New Hope Baptist Church at a very young age and attended church with her parents and siblings. Edna was one of four children born to Mary and Fred Irby. Her siblings were Eula Mae Givens (Burley Givens), Marie Swain, and Ernest Irby. She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings. In the 1930’s as a child, Edna held down her first job, where she picked cotton from sun- up to sun-down. As she became older, she attended Lincoln High School. Edna began working at Odom Café until 1946. Shortly after her employment with Odom café, she began her work as a housekeeper for different families around the town of Chickasha. She did this particular work for approximately four years. In the 1950’s, Edna Sargent began working at Southern Plains Medical Center, as a housekeeper. In 1984, Edna married Charles Gatewood after being together for 14 years. Edna and Gatewood together raised her twelve children and a host of grandchildren. Before preceding her in death, they were married for 34 years. In 1998, after being employed for 30 years, Edna retired from Southern Plains Medical Center. In 2005, Gatewood was ordained as a deacon at the New Hope Baptist Church, and Edna Sargent became a deaconess. Edna was known around her community and was loved by all that knew her. Edna was also known for having raised children who were active in the church and who were athletic. It can also be said, if Edna had a child (grandchild) on the field or on the court, you were sure to hear her yelling. Her hobbies included attending church, watching sports, and watching her stories (The Young & the Restless and the Bold and the Beautiful). To know Edna, is to know her love for God, her family, the Dallas Cowboys and the Oklahoma City Thunder. At the time of her death, Edna was a devoted member of the New Hope Baptist Church. She was the Matriarch of the church and recognized as the “Mother of the Church”. Edna was also an active in the Women’s Ministry. Edna was preceded in death by her children; Barbara Dale Oliver, Gary Oliver, Monica (Dump) Rosita Downing, Everett Joe Diggs Sr., Napoleon Diggs Jr., Steven McCarthur Sr., Roger Sargent, her son in law, Lovie Bradley, and many other relatives. Edna leaves to cherish her memories, her children; Hugh (Audrene) Oliver Jr. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Robert (Sandra) Diggs of Lawton, Oklahoma; Laverne Bradley of Chickasha, Oklahoma; Kathy Diggs of Chickasha, Oklahoma; Patricia Green of Chickasha, Oklahoma; James Diggs of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Edna Diggs of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Brady Watson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Edna also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great, grandchildren (several generations), cousins, extended family and friends, to cherish her memory. Special acknowledgements to Edna’s caretaker and granddaughter, Bernadine Bryant; a special grandson Bobby Oliver; a special nephew; Leon Brown Jr., formed from the union of her late husband, Charles Gatewood.

Edna Mae Sargent

September 6, 1925 - May 8, 2025

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Edna Mae Sargent

September 6, 1925 - May 8, 2025

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information