Karena Margaret Driskill was born on August 1, 1959, and entered heaven on June 11, 2024. She was born in Ada to Paul “David” Driskill, Jr. and Margaret Gwyen Rutland Driskill. She is survived by her son, Paul Hillard Oliver, his wife, Michelle, and their two grandchildren; her brother, Ron Driskill, his wife, Karla, their four children, and one grandchild; her brother, Mike Driskill, his wife, Cynthia, and their three children; and her sister, Gwyen Driskill-Dunn, her husband, Clark, and their three children. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Karena accepted Jesus as her Savior as a child and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Okemah. We are all thankful to know we will see her again in heaven.
She enjoyed life and her family. She loved being a mom to her son, Paul, and was proud of his career in the Alaska Army National Guard. She was also proud to be a grandma!
After high school, Karena became a member of MENSA. She earned a BS in Biology from Oklahoma Panhandle August 1, 1959 – June 11, 2024
State University and continued her education at the University of Oklahoma, earning a Medical Technology Degree. She worked and taught at the Oklahoma Blood Institute and conducted research on the emerging HIV virus in the 1980s. Karena was a hero to her family, working long hours in the lab at St. Francis Hospital to help save the injured in the Oklahoma City bombing.
In her free time, she enjoyed watching tennis, OU football, NASCAR, and nearly every sport. She used her diagnosis to become a support group leader for Multiple Sclerosis in the Oklahoma City area. Her attitude was grounded in her faith: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” Karena was a strong woman with a giving heart and a gentle spirit. She exhibited grace and acceptance in all situations, which was compelling.
We miss you, Karena. We love you always.
– Composed by Gwyenda Driskill-Dunn A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. June 15, 2024, at Highland Cemetery in Okemah. Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt’s Okmulgee Funeral Service & Cremation Care, 220 S. Alabama Ave. in Okmulgee. Family and friends may leave kind words of comfort, special memories and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice. com.
