Connie Joyce Arrington, a longtime Okmulgee resident, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Oklahoma City at 87 years of age. She was born on May 19, 1938, in Morris to the late Connie (L.D.) Overbey and Vera Jean (Stacy) Overbey. Connie’s career as a secretary for Morris Public Schools spanned 10 years until her retirement in 1994.
Connie, known to many as “Nanny Connie,” loved to stay active and be surrounded by people. In her younger years, she played basketball in a women’s league and went on to enjoy many years of bowling. Later in her bowling career, she was especially proud that Morris State Bank sponsored her teams, allowing them to compete in tournaments, including trips to Miami.
She was a passionate sports fan, cheering on her children and grandchildren with her signature cowbell and a voice that could carry across any field or gym. For over 40 years, Connie was a familiar face in the stands at Morris, and she also spent many years working the school gates, always supporting her community.
Connie was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, where she especially cherished her Sunday School class and the friendships she built there. She was also involved in Beta Sigma Phi alongside many of her coworkers and friends from Morris, as well as the Red Hat Society, where she enjoyed making and wearing her many hats.
She loved camping and traveling with Gene, and together they spent years exploring the country, owning many camping trailers along the way. When Gene was still with her, the two could often be found jitterbugging anywhere they found a dance floor.
Connie had a deep love for spending time May 19, 1938 – March 28, 2026
with her family. She especially enjoyed playing table games and cherished the time she spent playing alongside her grandchildren. She was very proud of her Cherokee heritage. She also loved to cook and was known for being exceptionally good at it. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed fishing and crocheting.
Connie also treasured time with her casino friends, always valuing the laughter, connection and memories they shared.
Connie was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ira Gene Arrington, who passed away June 22, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and a granddaughter, Kara McInnis.
Survivors include her children, Ira Gene (Rocky) Arrington and wife Connie, Stephanie Johnson and husband Terry and Blake (Stony) Arrington and wife Carmen; grandchildren, Ami Sinibaldi, Brennan Johnson, Eric Johnson, Heather Arrington and Tyler Arrington; nine great-grandchildren and a brother, David Overbey.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, at Morris Cemetery Chapel, with Rev. David Hamilton officiating.
Arrangements and cremation services have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Connie’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
