Author: Beth Case
Joy in the Morning with Pastor Laura!
Joy in the Morning with Pastor Laura!
Knowing your Neighbors – by Resident Don Frost
When Gail and I moved into Epworth Villa from Arkansas over nine years ago, we knew no one here. We selected Epworth because we were impressed with the friendliness of the residents. We thought, “that’s the atmosphere we want to live in.” And we have not been disappointed!
We found such an exciting variety in the residents, people from all walks of life; they were friendly, open, engaging, and down-to-earth solid citizens. Over the years we have come to know many residents and are amazed at so many lives well lived. Their impact on their profession, their community, and our society has been highly impressive. They are skilled in the medical field as well as having a rewarding career diving 18-wheelers across the country; they have taught at all levels in the educational system as well as having a wonderful and fulfilling life as homemakers. They have fought in world wars and served as nurses in our hospitals. They have ministered to their congregations and served on the mission field. As youth, they picked cotton with their family in southwest Oklahoma; as adults, they owned 1,000-acre wheat farms. As businessmen and women, they have started businesses, banks, and agencies. A few even played football for OU! They have been of the “Greatest Generation” as well as the one following. As a summary statement, they have been tine people to get to know. Let me share a few such residents.
We’ve had our War Heroes. As a WW II Marine pilot, he flew Corsair fighters in the South Pacific and closed out his life as a Prayer Warrior at Crossing Community Medical Clinic. You’ve heard of the Battle of the Bulge; how about being the soldier who drove the jeep for the forward observer, directing tanks to their forward positions? One of our past residents parachuted behind German lines on u-day at Normandy. As a Cold War warrior, we had a Vice Admiral who served as the commanding officer of nuclear submarines. We have several residents who served in Vietnam. Included in the group, is an individual who was the nurse on planes evacuating the wounded from Vietnam.
Then there is the school nurse who spent 20 years in the frigid temperatures at Fairbanks, Alaska. And missionaries; we have those who served on the mission field in Russia, Africa, and Taiwan. One resident I really came to love was a little old lady with a warm, beautiful smile and a sparkle in her eyes; she was from Cushing. In her younger days, she loved ballroom dancing; you could picture her out on the dance floor enjoying life to the fullest.
We had a lady here who was the epitome of grit and determination. What an example of how to live out one’s life! She was a champion collegiate swimmer having established the women’s swimming program at Duke University and later coached that team. She arrived at Epworth with a rare form of Parkinson’s disease. It was very debilitating, but she would swim and swim and swim. When we first knew her, she was doing 100 laps at our pool per day; then it dropped to 75; then 50; then 30; and even after she went to AL, they still rolled her to the pool. She swam until she was gone.
We had a lady who served as a switchboard operator in Kansas City during WWII. A young man she had yet to meet, was working as a travel agent, arranging train schedules for soldiers traveling around the nation. During that time frame, they met, fell in love, married and, when the war ended, they established a travel agency. Among other events, they arranged train charters for OU fans to travel to the annual OU-Texas football game.
We have our share of doctors and attorneys. Included in that group was a District Federal Judge appointed by President Carter. In the medical category, we’ve had hospital executives and one individual who was responsible for establishing the stroke center at Mercy Hospital; the center is recognized as one of the best in the country.
And the list goes on. Every new resident brings a life full of adventure and stories; some beautiful; others tragic; some tales that make your head spin; and others who have just lived the enjoyable simple life our Lord has given them.
These men and women, and many more, have served to enrich our lives at Epworth Villa. With enough “digging”, you too can discover and enjoy the “Gems of Life” who live here and are your neighbors!
Joy in the Morning with Pastor Laura!
Making a difference!
These two dynamic ladies recently visited our neighbors at Scissortail Edmond Elementary and read to students. Ms. Norma is a retired educator and Ms. Peggy is a retired RN who worked until she was 80 years young! It looks like these two are coming out of retirement Thank you ladies for continuing to pour into our youth. Your leadership will always be needed and valued!



Joy in the Morning with Pastor Laura!
A More Excellent Way – Rev. Jimette McLean
We invite you to head over to our YouTube channel and watch Resident Rev. Jimette Rose McLean’s sermon from Vespers last Thursday. Epworth Villa is so blessed to have such vibrant, enthusiastic, talented residents such as Jimette. She is truly a gift!
Get ready to be moved and have some laughs. We guarantee this will be the best 16 minutes of your day! Enjoy!
#joyinthemorning #epworthvilla #independentliving #vespers #lifeplan #okc #retirementcommunity #ThrivingTogether
Joy in the Morning with Pastor Laura!
Neighbors Who Stitch

“Neighbors Who Knit” was organized by Chaplain Laura Glover and a small group of Epworth Villa residents in the spring of 2021 as an offshoot of the Religions Life Committee. As there were members of the group who preferred to crochet or do machine quilting, the name of the group was changed to “Neighbors Who Stitch”.
Every Tuesday evening, the group gathers in one of the Epworth Villa Living Rooms from 6:30-8:00 for a time of fellowship and prayer, specifically for special needs throughout the Epworth Community. The group is continuously growing in number. Those who join, don’t always participate in stitching, but come for the fellowship and meet new friends.
The initial plan of the group was to create items signifying prayer, such as Prayer Shawls, Pocket Prayer Shawls, Prayer Scarves, and Prayer Squares, as well as other items that can be distributed as tokens of prayer and concern. The stitchers recently added lap pads, fidget pads, hats and scarves. The hats and scarves were specifically for Long Term Care residents to wear when seeing Christmas lights and decorations.
Additionally, group members often bring in the projects they continue to make for their church, Infant Crisis Services, Children’s Hospital, and the Hope Pregnancy Center. As a special project, a prayer square was presented to each of the teachers and staff at Epworth villa’s new neighbor, Scissortail Elementary School. Rice Bag Neck Warmers (or coolers) were also assembled by the group. Stitchers gathered in the Epworth Villa quilting room to make these for every Epworth Villa employee.
A compilation of projects for 2022 is as follows:
PRAYER SHAWLS (25) PRAYER SCARVES (51) POCKET SHAWLS (49) POCKET PRAYER SQUARES (153) HAT/SCART SETS (20) BED SOCKS (5) BABY HATS (25) LAP PADS (43) FIDGET PADS (21) PET PADS (14) POSITIVE BAGS, PILLOWCASES AND BABY BLANKETS taken to Hope Pregnancy Center and Children’s Hospital EMPLOYEE RICE BAGS (312).
Neighbors who Stitch accept donations of yarn. Questions about attendance at the group’s gatherings can be directed to Chaplain Laura Glover at 405-752-1200.