Lenora Irene McCalip

Lenora Willcox-McCalip born March 30, 1936 in Norman, Ok Cleveland County born on Austin Ranch on 180th passed from this life on January 11, 2026 while living on the homestead that her grandparents WM Thomas and Ellen P (McCraw) Willcox homesteaded. This was a great source of pride to Lenora. She was the only daughter born to Marvin Jeffrey and Myrtle (White) Willcox. She attended Cleveland County Rural Schools where she was also a member of 4H. In June of 1954, she graduated with the first class at Norman High School. While attending Norman High School, she was a proud member of Local Future Homemakers of America and Future Nurses of America. In later years, she was a member of Perky 20’s Extension Club after retirement, served as 4 H leader for 4 Leaf Clover 4H club and quilter’s club. Mrs. McCalip was an active member of Etowah Baptist Church and the Rural School Round Up Committee serving as secretary for several years. In Etowah Baptist Church she served as a Sunday School Teacher, VBS craft director, church bus monitor for Norman and also drove the bus. She was in charge of planning fellowship meals, decorating the sanctuary and fellowship hall for holidays and special events, assisting with the charity pharmacy and bread ministry. She absolutely loved her church and church family. She sent cards weekly to absent or ill members and was known as the “encourager/planner”. Soon after high school graduation, she became employed with a local judge, then an insurance agent. In October 1954, she became employed with the USDA-ASCS office in Norman, where she worked for 7 years. She managed the local county commodity office before becoming employed with DHS from which she retired on March 31, 1993. In 1960, She married Norman McCalip in their home at 960 Nebraska in Norman, OK. Together they had two children, Terri and Jonathan. The couple was happily married for 63 years before the passing of Norman. Lenora had many hobbies. She loved decorating, going to garage and antique sales, traveling, sewing, ceramics, flower arranging and working in vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed making jellies for friends and family. She treasured going to craft shows with “The Festive Four” (daughter Terri Baxter, special friend Terri Murphy Pilkingston and sister-in-law Lana McCalip). She looked forward to having parties, showers and dinners for her family and friends. Lenora is proceeded in death by her husband, Norman McCalip; her brothers; and her parents, Marvin and Myrtle Willcox. She is survived by her daughter, Terri Baxter and husband Justin; her son Jonathan Canfield and wife Sierra; her grandsons, Jason Baxter and wife Lucresha and Joshua Baxter and wife Jenna; great grandchildren Jaycee Carter and husband Matthew, Brody, Peyton Baxter, Bryntlee and June Canfield, sisters in law, Karen McCalip and Lana McCalip, as well as, numerous nieces and nephews.

Lenora Irene McCalip

March 30, 1936 - January 11, 2026